New Canadian Media journalist Diary Marif received PEN Canada’s 2025 Marie-Ange Garrigue Prize during an awards ceremony in Toronto Nov. 28.
The prize recognizes a Canadian citizen or institution that provides significant help to an imperilled writer or journalist overseas.
The jury selected Marif because of his dedication to raising awareness of the plight of a Kurdish journalist, Sherwan Sherwani, as well as four other Kurdish reporters, imprisoned in Iraqi Kurdistan. The jury said Marif’s meticulous documentation of the harsh prison conditions faced by the journalists, and his indefatigable advocacy have included fundraising on behalf of their families and advocates; mobilization of public awareness campaigns; the provision of safe houses; and efforts to facilitate the intervention of the Canadian government, journalists and other writers.
Sherwani has spent years in prison for reporting on corruption and the abuses faced by ordinary people in the Kurdistan Region. The journalist is widely respected for his investigations into corruption and abuse of power and has endured years of unjust incarceration.
In his speech accepting the award, Marif said Sherwani’s courage and determination not to be silenced inspires him.
“(He) embodies the true meaning of this award. Sherwan has paid an enormous price for defending freedom of expression in Kurdistan,” Marif said. “He has faced imprisonment, harassment and the full force of tyranny, yet his voice remains unbroken.”
George Abraham, publisher and founder of New Canadian Media, said Marif joined the online newsroom in 2022 and headed the collective’s Vancouver hub.
“Diary is being recognized for his fight and advocacy for another brave fighter in another foreign land,” Abraham said. “That’s no surprise — he has always spoken up for those whose voices were silenced or those whose voices are drowned out. Here in Canada, we badly need such outspoken voices.
“I am proud to be here as a representative for hundreds of journalists who arrive in this country and can’t continue their careers as journalists. Diary is living proof that we do a disservice to Canada and its future when we don’t allow them to continue in the vocation that they are most passionate about.”
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