Note: The video above reflects the morning's top headlines on March 20, 2024.
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Tech University School of Media and Communication held its 4th Annual International Journalism Excellence Awards on Monday night in the International Hall of the International Cultural Center.
At the ceremony, Russia's Marina Ovshanikova and Afghanistan's Saleh Soadat were honored. Texas Tech CoMC said both women “exemplify courage in reporting and serve as role models for journalists around the world.”
Ms. Ovsyanikova said that when the war began between Russia and Ukraine, “it was the point of no return” for her. A Russian-born journalist held a large protest at a Russian news outlet holding a placard that read “No to war.” Don't believe the propaganda. they are lying to you. ”
Ovsyanikova said Russian authorities interrogated her for 14 hours and later filed criminal charges. She was eventually granted political asylum and she lives in France, she said.
Ovsyannikova explained that if someone speaks out against Putin's regime, they will automatically face criminal charges. “In some cases, murderers receive lighter sentences than those who spoke out against President Putin, who herself was sentenced to prison eight and a half years before her defection.
Saleh Soadat defected from Afghanistan to the United States in August 2021 after the country was taken over by the Taliban. “In my opinion, journalism in a country like Afghanistan, where human rights are trampled on daily by groups like the Taliban, is not only a profession, but also a human responsibility,” Sodat previously told Texas Tech University. he said.
In addition to the award winners, CoMC hosted a symposium that reunited 11 Afghan women for the first time since they were airlifted from Kabul in 2021.
Harin Tauhedi told EverythingLubbock.com that the purpose of the conference was to raise awareness about what is happening in Afghanistan and the struggle of women journalists.
Twidi explained that she was studying for a journalism degree in Afghanistan and was unable to attend classes due to the Taliban occupation.
“It's been a long and tough journey for me. We left everything behind and now we're starting from scratch.” She went on to say that her past work history as a journalist was unacceptable and could put her at risk. He said there is.
CoMC Professor Leo Eko said the journalism award was created to show American students that “freedom of speech and expression” should not be taken for granted.
“We wanted to bring in people who are fighting for freedom of speech and expression, people whose freedom of speech and expression has been taken away. We wanted our students to see their lives. I want to,” said Mr. Eko.
