Egyptian photo journalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid awarded for his resistance and commitment to freedom of expression


The UN cultural agency, UNESCO has awarded its World Press Freedom Prize to imprisoned Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid, despite criticism from the government of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi following the announcement last week.

The President of the independent jury that selects the award's recipient, Maria Ressa, said the honour pays tribute to the courage, resistance and commitment to freedom of expression of Abu Zeid, who is more commonly known as Shawkan and who has been in jail since August 2013. 

Arrested while covering deadly clashes between security forces and supporters of the deposed President, Mohamed Morsi, in Cairo, he is potentially facing the death penalty.

While some Rights groups hope the prize will pressure the Egyptian government to free the dozens of journalists currently imprisoned in the country’s jails, they say there is little sign of this happening.


SOURCE: ALJAZEERA
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