Hundreds gathered Thursday night for the 19th CJFE annual Gala in support of Free Expression. At one poignant point in the evening, everyone stood in silence for a moment to honour 121 journalists killed this year around the world for fighting to do their work informing the public.
The powerful speeches and tributes from award winners and presenters throughout the evening were a compelling reminder that freedom of expression and a free press are rare and priceless commodities, and they require our vigilant and unwavering engagement.
CJFE does heavy lifting in this area, fighting to free jailed reporters around the world, pushing for legislation to protect journalistic sources, and speaking up for freedom of speech globally.
2016 Free Expression honours were awarded to CBC Indigenous for their extraordinary investigating work focused on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous women tragedy.
CJFE also recognized Afghan dissident Asad Aryubwa and Chinese reporter in exile Chang Ping whose remarks included his profound sadness at not being able to speak to his family in China for fear of endangering them.
The Tara Singh Hayer Memorial Award was attributed to Canadian photojournalist and humanitarian Ali Mustafa killesd in Syria.
CMG is proud to support CJFE’s work
More here: http://www.cjfe.org/award_winners
Carmel Smyth
National President, CMG