The founding member of prominent fact-checking organisation AltNews, Mohammed Zubair was conferred with the 2023 Freedom of Expression Award in Journalism on Friday by the Index on Censorship.
Index on Censorship, a London-based non-profit organisation campaigns for the freedom of expression, presents annual Freedom of Expression Awards, in four categories – arts, campaigning, journalism and trustee – to those having a “significant impact fighting censorship anywhere in the world,” according to the organisation. The winners are honoured at a celebration in London, United Kingdom where they also receive financial support for their efforts.
The Index of Censorship said, “Zubair faced significant threats after challenging mis/disinformation propagated by influential members of the ruling party…his fight against fake news and disinformation in India has led to him facing attacks, slander and even jail”.
Zubair after winning the award said, “It’s been an honour and a privilege to receive the Index [on Censorship] award, especially at a time when fake news and disinformation has emerged as a Frankenstein monster here in India. I hope this award will serve as a flicker of hope to several other younger journalists, my colleagues at AltNews and the readers of AltNews. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who stood by me when I was attacked, slandered and even jailed for doing my job. Thank you.”
Zubair was arrested in June last year for significant contributions in challenging fake news misinformation peddled by hate mongers which upset many influential people in the ruling party.
