The International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) announced the winners of the 2025 Knight Awards on Wednesday.
Cesar Betaz, an investigative journalist from Venezuela, the co-founder and director of El Pitazo, along with Philip Obaji Jr, a Nigerian journalist who has documented Russian atrocities in Central and West Africa, have been recognised as the winners.
Sharon Moshavi, President of ICFJ, commends the winners for enduring the challenges posed by authorities attempting to hinder their journalistic work.
“This year’s winners have shown a remarkable ability to surface the truth despite powerful entities working to suppress it,” Moshavi said.
She acknowledges the selfless work of Cesar and his El Pitazo team in providing independent news despite increasing censorship, as well as Philip’s exceptional stamina in documenting Russia’s exploitation of Africa’s resources to finance its conflict with Ukraine.
Marisa Kwiatkowski, the ICFJ's director for journalism at the Knight Foundation, advocates for the protection of journalists to ensure press freedom, which can influence public awareness of key global issues.
The ICFJ gala is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., on November 13, 2025, where the winners will be officially honoured.
