Two Ukrainian journalists receive DW Freedom of Speech Award for coverage of events in Mariupol

Freelance photojournalist Yevhen Malolietka and Associated Press visual journalist Mstyslav Chernov have received the Deutsche Welle Freedom of Speech Award. 

«Mstyslav Chernov and Evgeniy Maloletka have a way of reporting that is painful to read and watch, but what really hurts is the truth that their reporting conveys: Russia brutally attacking Ukraine, and thereby Ukrainian civilians, under a fabricated pretense. While there are nuances to every story, there is no way facts can be negotiated. This is exactly what the Kremlin is doing: Distorting facts, spreading misinformation», – said DW Director General Peter Limbourg.

Yevhen Malolietka and Mstyslav Chernov covered events in Mariupol after it was invaded by the russian army. They documented the destruction caused by shelling, doctors working in city hospitals, and numerous civilian victims. Yevhen Malolietka photographed the russian army shelling of Mariupol city hospital #3. The journalists left Mariupol on March 15, 2022 via a humanitarian corridor.   

Limbourg said that the award recognizes the journalists’ «exceptional courage in standing up against propaganda and misinformation. It is to recognize that their fight for human rights and for the truth is a fight for democracy and free societies, for all of us, and it comes at a high price»

Since 2015, the DW Freedom of Speech Award has honored persons or initiatives for their outstanding promotion of human rights and freedom of expression.

Local media in Mariupol face constant threats. 

In the two months since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, russia has committed 243 crimes against journalists and the media.

Photo: wise-geek.com