Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) has announced that Indian investigative journalist and Washington Post Global Opinions Writer, Rana Ayyub, will be awarded the prestigious 2024 International Press Freedom Award. Known for her fearless journalism and outspoken criticism of government policies, Ayyub has made a significant impact on global journalism by exposing injustices and holding powerful leaders accountable.
Ayyub first gained international recognition in 2010 when she went undercover to investigate government involvement in communal violence, a type of unrest based on religion or race. Since then, her work has appeared in major publications such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and Foreign Policy, where she has exposed the persecution of minorities and reported on state-sanctioned violence in India. Her bestselling book, Gujarat Files: Anatomy of a Cover-Up, published in 2016, further solidified her reputation as a leading investigative journalist.
Despite her courageous work, Ayyub has faced intense harassment and backlash from the Indian government. The International Centre for Journalists has called her one of India’s most abused reporters, and the United Nations has urged the Indian government to stop the “relentless misogynistic and sectarian attacks” against her.
In response to the honor, Ayyub expressed gratitude and solidarity with fellow journalists working in conflict zones. “I am honored to receive this award from the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, and I dedicate it to the unsung journalists in Gaza who are risking their lives to bear witness and tell stories that the world needs to hear. This award is also a shot in the arm for journalists in India who are fighting for their independence that is under relentless attack from the powers that rule us,” she said.
Carol Off, Chair of the CJFE Gala, commended Ayyub’s tenacity in confronting the Modi government. “CJFE is proud to recognize Rana Ayyub’s fearless efforts to speak truth to power. As a journalist, she works tirelessly to reveal the excesses of Narendra Modi’s government while the government works tirelessly to intimidate her and shut down her journalism. We once celebrated India as the world’s largest democracy. Now, World Press Freedom ranks India 159 out of 180 countries on its index,” Off remarked.
Ayyub will formally receive the award at the CJFE Gala: A Night to Celebrate Courage in Journalism, on October 23 in Toronto. The event will gather leading Canadian journalists and media professionals in recognition of exceptional contributions to press freedom.
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