RSF Press Freedom Awards 2024: Ravish Kumar wins Independence Prize
The 32nd edition of the RSF Press Freedom Awards was held on 3 December 2024, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, DC. Organised by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the ceremony honoured journalists and media outlets for their exceptional contributions to press freedom worldwide. Among the laureates was Indian journalist Ravish Kumar, who received the prestigious Independence Prize.
Ravish Kumar, known for his fearless journalism, has become a symbol of resistance against political and media suppression in India. Despite facing severe challenges, including being ousted from NDTV after its takeover by a businessman close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and enduring relentless smear campaigns, Kumar has continued to champion independent journalism. Through his YouTube channel, which boasts over 12 million subscribers, he persistently raises critical issues, amplifying the voices of the marginalised and defending the principles of press freedom.
Other awardees included Palestinian journalist Waël al-Dahdouh (Courage Prize) for his resilience in reporting amidst personal losses during the Gaza conflict, Ukrainian journalist Natalya Gumenyuk (Impact Prize) for documenting war crimes through The Reckoning Project, Burkinabe journalist Mariam Ouédraogo (Mohamed Maïga Prize) for her investigations into terrorism-related sexual violence, and Belgian photojournalist Gaël Turine (Lucas Dolega-SAIF Photo Prize) for his striking series on the opioid epidemic in the United States.
The ceremony featured notable speakers, including Lulu Garcia-Navarro, Michel Martin, and Aïssa Maïga, and recognised the contributions of 18 journalists, two media outlets, and five photojournalists from 22 countries.
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Two held in UP's Bijnor for contact with Pakistan linked Dubai handler
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Bijnor (PTI): Two men were arrested in this Uttar Pradesh district on Friday for allegedly being in touch with a Pakistan-linked handler based in Dubai, police said.
Circle Officer, Najibabad, Anjani Kumar Chaturvedi said Uvaid Malik and Jalal Haider were arrested following inputs on their alleged links with Aqib, a resident of Meerut currently staying in Dubai.
According to police, Aqib had earlier come into the spotlight after a video surfaced on Instagram purportedly showing him displaying an AK-47 rifle and explosives.
During interrogation, the arrested men allegedly told police that Aqib used to incite youngsters against Hindus and encourage anti-national activities, the officer said, adding that detailed questioning of the accused is underway.
On April 6, Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Jha said the video first surfaced in November last year. Aqib, a native of Sathla village in the Mawana area of Meerut, was allegedly seen in the video brandishing weapons.
Following the viral clip, a case was registered at the Nangal police station by sub-inspector Vinod Kumar. However, the then station house officer and investigating officer Satyendra Singh had recorded Aqib's statement and filed a final report, stating that the weapons seen in the video were toys, effectively giving him a clean chit.
Police said fresh developments have now revealed Aqib's suspicious links and the probe has been handed over to the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).
The SP said action has been taken against the officials concerned, with the then SHO and investigating officer suspended and Circle Officer Nitesh Pratap Singh removed from his post.
