A trio of Ukrainian journalists who produced heart-wrenching coverage of Russia’s attack on Mariupol were honored with the ICFJ Knight International Journalism Award. Working for the Associated Press, the journalists – Mstyslav Chernov, Evgeniy Maloletka and Vasilisa Stepanenko – provided striking visual evidence of the human suffering caused by the war. Maloletka, a prize-winning photographer, said: “During our 20 days in Mariupol, we witnessed war crimes, air strikes, and atrocities against civilians committed by the Russian forces. It was important for us to show to the country and to the world the suffering, fear and pain of the Ukrainians.” Read more and watch their tribute video.
Our other Knight Award winner, Anisa Shaheed, a veteran television reporter known for fearless coverage in Afghanistan, called on world leaders to “take human rights issues, including for women, into consideration.” She said more than 200 journalists have been arrested and tortured since the Taliban seized power in 2021. And she dedicated her award to “all of the fallen journalists who gave their lives for Afghanistan.” Read more and watch her tribute video.