By: E&P Staff Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) will honor three journalists, including the murdered Pakistani newspaper reporter Hayat Ullah Khan, with this year's International Press Freedom Award.
The award will also be presented to Abeer Al-Askary of Egypt, and Hollman Morris of Colombia, who are expected to attend the ceremony in Toronto Nov. 1.
"This year's winners come from some of the toughest regions in which to practice journalism," said Carol Off, chairperson of CJFE's awards committee. "They are truly remarkable people, committed to speaking out, and telling the stories of the world's most vulnerable citizens."
CJFE noted it traditionally presents just two of the press freedom awards to international journalists. An exception was made this year to honor Hayat Ullah, who was abducted last December, and whose body was finally discovered on June 16. His family in Pakistan, along the Afghanistan border, will receive the award and $3,000 cash prize. "CJFE hopes the award will help his family to continue their fight for justice in his case," the organization said in a statement.
Hayat Ullah was a correspondent for the Urdu-language daily Ausaf in the North Waziristan region. He went into hiding several years ago when North Waziristan authorities ordered his arrest for reporting on clashes between local tribal groups.
Abeer Al-Askary was one of several foreign and local journalsits beaten last May while covering a protest about the presidential election procedures. She works for the independent weekly newspaper Al-Dustour, and was known for her investigative reports on issues such as corruption, election fraud and torture of prisoners.
Hollman Morris is a television journalists in Colombia, whose documentaries on Colombia's armed conflict led a right-wing paramilitary group to declare him a military "target." In May, a funeral wreath was delivered to his office along with a note announcing his death.
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