CPJ to honor formidable journalists with 2024 International Press Freedom Awards

Esteemed awardees from four regions to be recognized in November

New York, September 19, 2024 — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) today announced that it will honor four exceptional journalists with its 2024 International Press Freedom Awards. 

This year’s awardees, who cover Gaza, Guatemala, Niger, and Russia, have withstood extraordinary challenges to continue reporting on their communities while experiencing war, prison, government crackdowns, and the rising criminalization of their work.

“CPJ’s International Press Freedom Awardees symbolize the vital work carried out by reporters everywhere to report facts in the face of fierce attempts to suppress truth,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg. “In what has been a devastating year for journalists and for press freedom, it is an honor to stand with them.”

CPJ will posthumously honor Christophe Deloire, who served as director general of the press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), with the 2024 Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award, an award presented annually by CPJ’s board of directors in recognition of an individual’s sustained commitment to press freedom. Deloire led RSF for 12 years before his untimely death in June 2024.

“Christophe Deloire was a tireless advocate for media freedom and a strong partner in our efforts to help journalists globally,” said CPJ Board Chair Jacob Weisberg. “Honoring Christophe is recognition of his shining legacy and of all the journalists he supported throughout his career.” 

The CPJ awards will be presented in New York City on November 21. John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, will be master of ceremonies at the event, which will be chaired by Jessica E. Lessin, founder and CEO of The Information.

CPJ’s 2024 awardees include:

Shrouq Al Aila (Gaza Strip)

Shrouq Al Aila is a Palestinian journalist, producer, and researcher reporting from the Gaza Strip. Al Aila took charge of Ain Media, an independent production company specializing in professional media services, after her husband – who co-founded the company – was killed in the Israel-Gaza war. She continues to cover the war and its devastating impact on Gaza’s residents despite having been displaced several times in an effort to evade Israeli attacks. 

Alsu Kurmasheva (U.S. – Russia)

Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, is a journalist and editor at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Kurmasheva was detained in Russia in October 2023 and in July was sentenced to 6½ years in prison on charges of spreading “fake” news about the Russian army. She was released by Russia in August 2024 as part of an historic prisoner exchange. 

Quimy de León (Guatemala)

Quimy de León is a Guatemalan journalist, medical professional, and historian with over 20 years of professional experience. She is a co-founder of Prensa Comunitaria, a news agency specializing in environmental and human rights issues. Her work with the outlet has led to relentless threats from corporate and governmental forces. In 2017, de León founded Ruda, a feminist digital magazine devoted to sexual and reproductive rights.

Samira Sabou (Niger)

Samira Sabou is one of Niger’s most prominent investigative journalists. She has been arrested, detained and subjected to years of legal harassment because of her reporting on governance issues throughout her career. Sabou, who publishes mainly on her Facebook page, is the president of the Association of Bloggers for Active Citizenship, an organization that advocates for freedom of expression and the rights of women and youth. 

Now in its 34th year, CPJ’s annual International Press Freedom Awards and benefit dinner honor courageous journalists from around the world. 

For more information about attending or sponsoring CPJ’s International Press Freedom Awards, please fill out this form, call Buckley Hall Events at (+1) 914-579-1000, or contact CPJ’s Development Office at (+1) 212- 300-9021 or CPJIPFA@buckleyhallevents.com.

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About the Committee to Protect Journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. We defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.

Note to news outlets: CPJ International Press Freedom awardees or CPJ experts are available for interviews upon request by emailing press@cpj.org. High-resolution images of the awardees are also available.