The Dutch organization Free Press Unlimited has announced Sudanese journalist Al-Miqdad Hassan as the winner of the “Hans Verploeg” Award for Best Newcomer, as part of its 2025 Press Freedom Awards.
Additionally, Azerbaijani journalist Ulviyya Guliyeva was honored with the Most Resilient Journalist Award.
The 2025 Press Freedom Awards ceremony took place during the “Free Press Live” event today, February 3rd, in The Hague. This annual event is dedicated to press freedom, independent journalism, and the global struggle for access to accurate information.
The organization stated that Al-Miqdad Hassan was among the few Sudanese journalists who remained in Khartoum when the war broke out in 2023.
* Reporting from the Frontlines: Relying almost entirely on his iPhone, he provided live reports from the heart of the conflict, including destroyed buildings and active combat zones.
* A Vital Resource: He became a critical source for numerous Arabic media outlets.
* Global Impact: His photos and reports brought international attention to a conflict that might have otherwise remained hidden, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
The organization emphasized that Al-Miqdad’s dedication, courage, and ability to deliver accurate and impactful journalism under extreme conditions earned him this prestigious recognition.
