Journalist Assistance
Making an Impact
CPJ aids dozens of journalists worldwide in 2010
Godwin Agaba
Agaba, a formerly jailed reporter for the newspaper Umuvugiziand website 256 News, faced re-arrest in 2010 in reprisal for his critical reporting. After fleeing his home, he faced severe medical needs. CPJ covered the cost of the surgery and follow-up care that allowed Agaba to resume his work in exile.
Babak Dad
Dad was forced into exile after state agents raided his Tehran home and sought his arrest. One of Iran’s most prominent bloggers, Dad was targeted for his criticism of President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and human rights abuses in Iran. CPJ provided aid for emergency evacuation, resettlement, and support in exile. Dad now lives in France.
José Luis García Paneque
García Paneque, a surgeon-turned-editor of an independent news agency, spent more than seven years in Cuban prisons. Jailed in appalling conditions, he was diagnosed with a kidney tumor, chronic malnutrition, and pneumonia. CPJ grants covered medicine and food that prison authorities would not provide to the ailing journalist. CPJ also paid travel expenses so his family could visit him in jail. García Paneque now lives in Spain.
Sunil Jayasekera
Jayasekera, editor-in-chief of the critical Sinhala weekly Irudina, received several threats of abduction in March 2010. Branded a “traitor” by pro-government media, the journalist was forced to flee his country. CPJ provided assistance for emergency evacuation and exile support. Jayasekera returned to Sri Lanka in August 2010 to resume his work.
Families of the Maguindanao massacre
In November 2009, 32 journalists and media workers were executed in a politically inspired attack in Maguindanao province. The massacre—the single deadliest event for the press in CPJ history—left their families devastated emotionally and financially. Working with local partners, CPJ provided grants to families such as that of Grace Morales to cover living expenses, school costs, and emergency medical care.
Geminet Zakhidov
Zakhidov, editor of the Baku daily Azadlyg, was imprisoned for three years on fabricated “hooliganism” charges. Released in 2010, the journalist suffered from heart disease and severe rheumatoid arthritis, conditions worsened by inadequate care in prison. CPJ provided aid for Zakhidov’s medical treatment and rehabilitation.
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