Alt News Co-Founder Mohammed Zubair wins 2023 Freedom of Expression award in Journalism
Ahmedabad: Fact-Checking Wizard and Co-Founder of the fact checking website Alt-News Mohammed Zubair has been honoured with the 2023 Freedom of Expression award in Journalism by Index on Censorship, a non-profit organisation headquartered in London.
Index on Censorship, a non-governmental organisation advocating for the freedom of expression in its ‘X’ post, recognized Zubair's efforts against fake news and disinformation in India, even after facing attacks, slander and jail. “We all share in his (Zubair’s) campaign for transparent and accurate news,” the post further read.
The annual Freedom of Expression Awards are presented in four categories including arts, campaigning, journalism and trustee, to individuals who have made a “significant impact in the fight against censorship worldwide.” The awardees are honored at a celebration in London and also receive financial aid.
The organisation produces a quarterly magazine of the same name from London, In addition also publishes work by censored writers and artists, promotes debate, and monitors threats to free speech.
Upon receiving the award, Zubair expressed that it will “serve as a flicker of hope” for his young colleagues.
In a video posted by the Organisation, Zubair remarked that, “It’s both an honor and privilege to receive the [Index on Censorship] Freedom of Expression [award], especially during the period when fake news and disinformation has emerged as a Frankenstein monster, in my country, India.”
The fact-checker further expressed gratitude to those who supported him while he faced attacks, slanders and was jailed for doing his job.
Index on Censorship had previously, while announcing the nominees in September,highlighted Zubair’s work and his arrest in June last year. It also commended both Zubair’s and the news outlet’s efforts to report on hate speeches, actions of vigilante groups and inter-communal violence in India.
Alongside Zubair, other nominees in the category included Franco-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi and Bilan Media, Somalia’s first women-only media organisation.
The fact-checker spent 24 days in jail last year before being granted bail by the apex court. Currently he is facing six cases in Uttar Pradesh and one in Delhi on charges of allegedly promoting enmity between groups and hurting religious sentiments.
Our journalism winner is Mohammad Zubair, one of the founding members of @AltNews. His fight against fake news and disinformation in #India has led to him facing attacks, slander and even jail.
— Index on Censorship (@IndexCensorship) October 19, 2023
We all share in his campaign for transparent and accurate news. #IndexAwards23 pic.twitter.com/l9qN7Kgwb0
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Deve Gowda hints at NDA tie-up for local body, Panchayat polls
Bengaluru: JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has indicated that the party is open to an understanding with the NDA in the upcoming local body, taluk and zilla panchayat elections.
Speaking to reporters at J.P. Bhavan on Wednesday, he said the JD(S) is a regional party, while the BJP is a national party. “We have to wait and see what decision they take regarding a pre-poll alliance. As far as local body elections are concerned, we will discuss the matter together before taking a decision,” he said.
Responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s allegation that the JD(S) does not give positions to anyone outside the family, Deve Gowda said the charge has no substance. “My memory is still strong. I will respond to everything at the appropriate time,” he remarked.
He also said that a JD(S) convention will be held in Vijayapura on February 27 and that he has been invited to participate in the event.
