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Indian journalist receives CPJ International Press Freedom Award
Shahina K.K., a senior editor for Outlook magazine, is the fourth Indian to receive the award.
Shahini K.K. / Image - CPJ
Shahina K.K, an Indian journalist, was among the four recipients of the Committee to Protect Journalists' (CPJ) International Press Freedom Awards. The awards ceremony, held in New York City was chaired by Meredith Kopit Levien, president and CEO of The New York Times Company, who recognized Shahina for her undying commitment to journalism despite facing legal challenges and harassment.
Shahina, also known as Shahini Nafeesa, is currently serving as a senior editor for Outlook magazine. She has dedicated her career to shedding light on critical issues such as gender, human rights, and marginalized communities.
Shahina is the fourth Indian to achieve this recognition, with notable contributions to OPEN magazine, Tehelka, and Asianet News. She was awarded the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Women Mediapersons in 2011. Moreover, she was an activist in the 2014 fight against moral policing, the ‘Kiss of Love’ movement.
In her acceptance speech, Shahina said, “As time went on I made a conscious effort to derive more from my courtroom experiences. I met many people who had unusual encounters with the legal system, with a significant number of them being victims of fabricated cases. This resulted in a series of articles that illuminated the challenges endured by the marginalized population in the state of Karnataka in India. As I sought to understand legal abuse, I pursued a law degree ultimately I earned.”
Shahina stands out as one of the first journalists in India to face charges under a draconian anti-terror law. Despite the ongoing trial since 2010, she has continued reporting on exposing injustices and holding authorities accountable.
The case against Shahina stems from her reporting on a questionable police investigation, where local government officials sought to criminalize her work. As of June 2023, Shahina is out on bail, awaiting trial. If convicted, she could face up to three years in prison with an additional fine.
Besides being held in court, Shahina, a Muslim by birth, has been subjected to harassment by political groups in India. These groups have reportedly tried to suppress her reporting on religious minorities and vulnerable caste groups. The International Press Freedom Award acknowledged Shahina's resilience in the face of adversity, honoring her dedication to the principles of free and unbiased journalism.
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