April 6, 2024
Brussels, Kabul, Islamabad- The Afghanistan Journalists Center has announced the winners of the 11th Afghanistan Journalist of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding work in journalism amidst the challenges faced by the media industry in the country.The 2024 Award honorees are three journalists from within the country, including Mitra Majeedy, Faridullah Mohammadi, and Nasir Ahmad Salehi from TOLONews in Kabul and Farah, as well as Mohammad Taher Ahmadi from Rokhshana Media, and Mohammad Amin Kawa from 8Subh daily in exile.
The award ceremony took place on Friday, April 5 from 5:00-6:30 PM in Brussels, Belgium, both in person and online.
Representing the jury committee, Faisal Karimi highlighted the exceptional reports and interviews submitted by the winners. He mentioned that Mitra Majeedy was recognized for her report on child labor in Kabul, Faridjullah Mohammadi for his exclusive interview with Mullah Mohammad Yaqub, the Taliban's defense minister, and Nasir Ahmad Salehi for his report on the water shortage crisis in Farah province. Additionally, Taher Ahmadi from Rukhshana was acknowledged for his report on the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, and Mohammad Amin Kawa from 8Selah daily for his investigative report on the controversy between the owner of the private bank Azizi Bank and a citizen. Though all five winners were unable to attend the ceremony in person, they spoke remotely to express their gratitude.
During the event, Ahmad Quraihi, the executive director of the Afghanistan Journalists Center presented a summary of the organization's annual report on the state of media freedom in Afghanistan. In addition to Quraihi's presentation, speeches were given by Nazifullah Salarzai, Afghanistan's ambassador to the EU and Belgium, Aghashair Monar, head of Sanga radio from southern Kandahar province, and Zahra Joya, director of Rukhshana Media in exile. The event also featured addresses from Jodie Ginsberg, CPJ President, UNESCO representative Antonia Eser-Ruperti, and Toby Mendel, Director of the Center for Law and Democracy.
The Afghanistan Journalist of the Year Award has been held annually since 2014, showcasing and applauding the professionalism of Afghan journalists. The award has already recognized 17 Afghan journalists, including five women, from prestigious media outlets such as BBC Afghanistan, Ariana News, Hasht e Subh Daily, Etilaatroz Daily, ToloNews, AFP, Pajhwok Afghan News, Afghanistan International TV, and Killid Radio.