We highlight the work of three former Young Journalist Award winners – from Sudan, Syria and Russia, who, by their courage and determination, work tirelessly to root out the truth and hold the powerful to account.

EDnews told that Yousra Elbagir Alisa Kustikova remind us that journalists often have to fight for the cause of media freedom, in the public’s service, at great personal risk. 

Russian society is in need of reliable reporting, not reporting that is distorted by propaganda or fake information,” says Alisa Kustikova, whose “brave, impactful reporting” won her a Young Journalist Award. Russians are experiencing a total distrust of journalism and journalists. There are too many lies being told on central channels.

In June 2019, in a bold call for press freedom in the country, three influential Russian broadsheets  Vedomosti, Kommersant used their front pages to speak out for detained journalist, Ivan Golunov, known for his investigative work probing corruption. 

The editorial, was an unusual show of media unity in the country after Ivan’s arrest for serious drugs offences. The charges were widely viewed as an attempt to muzzle the journalist and were thought to be connected to a secret investigation he was working on at the time.

Reports also suggested that he was beaten in custody. A series of forensic tests later failed to establish any link between the journalist and the drugs that were found and Russian authorities dropped all charges.

Madina Mammadova\\EDnews