The 2024 Golden Pen of Freedom Award, annually bestowed by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) for press freedom, has been awarded to Nicaraguan journalist Carlos Fernando Chamorro, who is in exile.
The award ceremony was held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Upon receiving the award, Chamorro said, “I am deeply honored to receive the Golden Pen of Freedom 2024 award from the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) at a time when freedom of the press and freedom of expression are under brutal attack in my country Nicaragua, while there is a process of criminalization of independent journalism in several other countries of Latin America. It is an honor that I receive together with my colleagues of Confidencial, who make it possible for us to continue doing quality journalism in exile; and I share it with all the independent media from Nicaragua.”
He added that he dedicated this award to all Latin American journalists facing political persecution and imprisonment
In 2023, the Golden Pen of Freedom was jointly awarded to two imprisoned Iranian female journalists.
The Golden Pen of Freedom Award has been presented annually by WAN-IFRA since 1961. In 2013, Dr. Than Htut Aung, Chairman and CEO of Eleven Media Group, received the award, becoming the fourth recipient from Myanmar. The first recipient from Myanmar was Guardian U Sein Win, who received it in 1963. In 2001, Hanthawady U Win Tin and Daw San San Nwe (Thayawady) also received the award jointly.
