WASHINGTON: Indian journalist Rana Ayyub an outspoken critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies received prestigious John Aubuchon award conferred on her by National Press Club of Washington DC, Club’s highest honour for press freedom. Ayyub, a columnist with Washington Post has been facing harassment and threats for her critical reporting of Modi government.

Post issued full-page advertisement earlier this year in support of Ayyub, saying “Free press is under attack in India”.

After her name was announced in July 2022, Ayyub dedicated award to her colleagues who are languishing in different prisons across country. “Dedicating this to my colleagues Mohd Zubair, Siddique Kappan and Asif Sultan incarcerated for speaking truth to power,” she said. In her acceptance speech Rana Ayyub said that there is no free press in India anymore. “I’m here, trying to feel less alone at time I feel very lonely” she said “I happen to be Muslim and woman. How dare I speak? Thank you for making me feel less alone and isolated.” She added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 09 2022

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