New Perspective አዲስ ቅኝት OMNI Honoured at Free Speech Centre Press Freedom Event in Toronto

Toronto, May 11, 2026 — New Perspective አዲስ ቅኝት OMNI was honoured to be recognized during an inspiring and thought-provoking evening celebrating World Press Freedom Day at Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto, organized by the Free Speech Centre.

The evening brought together journalists, media leaders, authors, and advocates committed to defending freedom of expression and the vital role of independent journalism around the world.

A proud highlight for our community was the recognition of New Perspective አዲስ ቅኝት OMNI, hosted by Gezahegn Mekonnen Demissie,and Sosina Ashenafi for its work chronicling the experiences, stories, and voices of Ethiopian Canadians. Gezahegn Mekonnen and Sosina Ashenafi were on stage to receive the award on behalf of the program and the broader Ethiopian Canadian community.

The event served as both a celebration and a sobering reminder of the challenges facing press freedom globally. Renowned international journalist Lyse Doucet joined CBC’s Nahlah Ayed in a powerful conversation about the state of journalism worldwide.

Among the striking observations shared during the evening, Lyse Doucet noted that in 2002, approximately 20 percent of countries were categorized as having “good” levels of press freedom according to the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index. Today, that number has reportedly fallen to just one percent.

She also reflected on the devastating toll journalism has faced in conflict zones, stating that the number of journalists killed covering Gaza now exceeds the combined number of journalists killed during the First World War, the Second World War, and the Vietnam War.

Despite these challenges, the evening also carried a message of hope and resilience. Lyse Doucet emphasized that journalism can recover even in places where press freedom once appeared lost, pointing to countries such as Syria and Hungary as examples of renewed determination and courage among journalists.

The Free Speech Centre also honoured Lyse Doucet with a well-deserved achievement award recognizing her extraordinary contribution to international journalism.

The evening featured an important panel discussion moderated by Jennifer Hollett of The Walrus, with distinguished journalists living in exile in Canada, including Arzu Yildiz of Turkey, Harun Najafizada of Afghanistan, Andersson Boscán Pico of Ecuador, and Walid Batrawi of Palestine. Their stories highlighted both the risks journalists face and the importance of protecting independent media around the world.

Additional awards recognized Egyptian-Canadian journalist Mostafa Al-A'sar of The Globe and Mail and Maawj TV, an Afghan television network operating in exile with a strong focus on women’s stories.

New Perspective አዲስ ቅኝት OMNI extends sincere congratulations to Soraya Amiri and Said Najib Asil, the team behind the Free Speech Centre, for organizing such a meaningful and impactful evening.

As discussions about press freedom continue worldwide, this recognition reinforces the importance of community-centered journalism and the responsibility to continue amplifying underrepresented voices.

The evening reminded all attendees that while much work remains to protect and rebuild freedom of the press, that work is strengthened when carried forward together in solidarity.