2007 Democracy Award Tribute

In a time of global communications and media, when news, information, and images are instantly disseminated, the integrity and independence of journalists are critical. Unfortunately, authoritarian regimes appreciate the political significance of the media, prompting an impulse to control, persecute, and, in all too common circumstances, eliminate independent voices. Our honorees come from differing regions and backgrounds but share a common virtue: standing up for journalistic integrity, accountability, and free media against governmental interference, harassment, and violence. They blend professionalism with advocacy, demonstrating that journalists can combine a passion for truth and transparency without adopting strident ideological positions. Each has suffered more than the usual trials and tribulations of independent journalists, including censorship, harassment, and closure. Tragically, as we know only too well, Anna Politkovskaya paid the ultimate price. It is our hope that this award will illuminate not only their personal courage and achievements, but also the vital contribution of independent journalism to the cause of democracy.

Hisham Kassem is one of Egypt's most prominent journalists and democracy activists. The publisher of Al-Masry Al-Youm (The Egyptian Today), the country's first independent newspaper, he is also chairman of the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights and has been a leading member of the opposition liberal democratic Hizb al-Ghad (Tomorrow Party), whose leader, Ayman Nour, is imprisoned. Despite his political commitments, Kassem is a staunch advocate of independent journalism and his publications have earned a reputation as sources of hard news, rare for the region's media.

Instituto Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS) - Venezuela was established in 2002 and has since become an authoritative voice on media freedom for journalists, academics, and human rights activists. IPYS monitors threats and attacks on journalists and media outlets, which have spiked under the administration of President Hugo Chávez. IPYS assumed a leading role in the campaign to defend the privately-owned RCTV television station after the Chávez government decided not to renew the station's broadcast license. "This decision can only be seen as a control strategy and an abuse of power," said Ewald Scharfenberg, IPYS - Venezuela executive director.

Kavi Chongkittavorn, who worked as journalist for over 20 years, is the assistant group editor of Nation Media Group and a tireless campaigner for press freedom throughout Southeast Asia. The Nation is one of Thailand's leading English language daily newspapers and an eloquent advocate for democratic reform. His previous posts as Special Assistant to the Secretary General of ASEAN and President of the Thai Reporters Association helped form his distinctive cross-border perspectives and appreciation of regional political and media architecture.

Anna Politkovskaya, whom we honor posthumously, was a celebrated-almost iconic -figure even before her murder in October 2006. She was not only a campaigning journalist for Novaya Gazeta, but a forceful advocate for human rights and an end to the atrocities in Chechnya. Politkovskaya came to personify resistance to the remorseless erosion of journalistic integrity and independence in Putin's Russia. She was said to be "unscrupulous in choosing her enemies," a testimony to her courage and no doubt a factor in her becoming one of at least 12 journalists murdered in contract-style killings since Putin assumed power in 2000.