Award-winning journalist says Dawn editor is the real hero
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 24 April 2019
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Cyril Almeida has been honored as a World Press Freedom Hero and attributes his recognition to Zaffar Abbas, the editor of Dawn. Almeida emphasized Abbas's strength in facing coercion and adversity in the pursuit of truth.Summary
ISLAMABAD - Journalists took to Twitter to congratulate Dawn journalist Cyril Almeida on being named World Press Freedom Hero by International Press Institute (IPI).
In his first comments, Almedia gave credit to his editor Zaffar Abbas (pictured) for standing up to “significant coercion.”
In a tweet, Almeida said: “In truth, the hero is Zaffar Abbas, Editor, Dawn, @abbasz55 who has unflinchingly fought for his paper and his staff in the face of significant coercion, intimidation and threats - much more so than is publicly known. Keep up the good fight, Ed sb. Pakistan belongs to everyone.”
ðŸ™ðŸ» In truth, the hero is Zaffar Abbas, Editor, Dawn, @abbasz55 who has unflinchingly fought for his paper and his staff in the face of significant coercion, intimidation and threats- much more so than is publicly known. Keep up the good fight, Ed sb. Pakistan belongs to everyone. https://t.co/ZzpgFDpE7j
— cyril almeida (@cyalm) April 24, 2019
In 2016, Almeida was briefly placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) after publishing an exclusive story in Dawn regarding an important meeting of civil-military leaders.
The IPI said the story prompted enormous controversy in Pakistan. “Both Almeida and Dawn’s top editor were subjected to a widespread smear campaign and dragged before a tribunal in an effort to force Dawn to reveal its sources.”
Abbas Nasir, a former editor of Dawn, tweeted: “Proud of my colleague and friend @cyalm for his unflinching commitment to the truth. Congrats and well done to him, his editor @abbasz55 and the Dawn team for standing their ground.”
Zaffar Abbas also congratulated Almeida. “Congratulations. Well deserved. What a proud moment for Cyril and Team Dawn.”
Congratulations. Well deserved. What a proud moment for Cyril and Team Dawn . https://t.co/0lNcSeDUX4
— Zaffar Abbas (@abbasz55) April 24, 2019
Novelist Kamila Shamsie termed the award a well-deserved accolade for Almeida.
Key Points
- Cyril Almeida awarded World Press Freedom Hero by IPI.
- Almeida praises Zaffar Abbas for his unwavering support.
- Both journalists faced backlash for reporting on sensitive issues.
- Almeida was briefly placed on the Exit Control List in 2016.
- Prominent figures in journalism expressed support for Almeida and Abbas.
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