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                                       May 2025                                
       
       Honouring the Defenders of Truth
       
 (GIF) article photo
       
       By Dimitri Papadopoulos
       
       
       _Diverse voices come together to honour those who speak truth to power_
       
       On Friday May 2, the National Ethnic Press And Media Council Of Canada
       hosted an event at the City Hall of Toronto to commemorate the World
       Press Freedom Day. (NEPMCC PHOTO by Ishkhan Ghazarian)
       
       On Friday, May 2, the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of
       Canada hosted a commemorative event at Toronto City Hall to mark World
       Press Freedom Day. The event gathered approximately 150 attendees,
       including members of the press, diplomats, elected officials, and
       former cabinet ministers.
       
       The evening was emceed by former Ontario Minister of Multiculturalism,
       Tony Ruprecht, who delivered a moving introduction. In his remarks,
       Ruprecht emphasized the dangers faced by journalists worldwide, noting
       that journalism remains one of the most hazardous professions. Citing
       recent statistics, he stated that 122 journalists were killed in 2024,
       marking the deadliest year on record for media workers.
       
       Thomas Saras, President of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council
       of Canada, also addressed the audience with a heartfelt speech. He
       presented sobering figures on global press repression, highlighting that
       124 journalists and media workers were killed last year—85 of them in
       territories controlled by Israel. Additionally, 361 journalists were
       reportedly imprisoned across the world by the end of 2024, a significant
       increase from the previous year.
       
       Saras detailed cases of imprisoned journalists, including Jimmy Lai in
       Hong Kong, Shin Daewe in Myanmar, Frenchie Mae Cumpio in the
       Philippines, and Sevinj Vagifgizi in Azerbaijan, among others. He
       denounced the global erosion of press freedom, even in countries with
       democratic frameworks, and concluded his speech by stating, “Without
       freedom of the press, there is no democracy.”
       
       The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals
       recognized for their contributions to media, public discourse, and the
       promotion of press freedom. Honourees included:
       
       * Habeeb Alli * Al Pace * Hoang Thanh Tam Tran, a documentary
       filmmaker known for shedding light on the plight of Vietnamese boat
       people * Jeremy Grimaldi, documentary filmmaker * Paul Nguyen,
       documentary filmmaker and community advocate * Dr. Mohammad
       Tajdolati, editor of _Persian Mirror_ * The Honourable Joe Volpe,
       editor of _Corriere Canadese_ * MPP Aris Babikian, Member of
       Provincial Parliament in Ontario
       
       The awards acknowledged their longstanding commitment to press freedom,
       advocacy, and social awareness through media and public engagement.
       
       Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Toronto City Hall
       featuring live music and catering by “Catering by Nikos.” The company,
       co-owned by veteran Greek-Canadian caterer Nikolaos Nikopoulos, is
       well known in Toronto for its exceptional service and more than 40
       years of experience in the food and hospitality industries. Attendees
       praised both the quality of the cuisine and the festive atmosphere
       created by the live band.
       
       The reception provided an opportunity for publishers, journalists, and
       members of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council to discuss
       ongoing challenges in the media industry, particularly regarding issues
       of independence, safety, and representation.
       
       MPP Aris Babikian awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal to
       Thomas Saras in recognition of his over 63 years of unwavering
       dedication to press freedom in Canada and abroad.
       
       During the reception, MPP Aris Babikian awarded the King Charles III
       Coronation Medal to Thomas Saras in recognition of his over 63 years of
       unwavering dedication to press freedom in Canada and abroad. The moment
       was met with a standing ovation.
       
       The evening concluded with the presentation of a birthday cake to Mr.
       Saras, in celebration of his 86th birthday—a fitting tribute to a
       lifelong advocate for journalism and democratic values.
       
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