VUB and ULB Award Press Freedom Prize to Exiled Rwandan Investigative Journalist and Italian Anti-Mafia Platform
Difference Day 2025: Honorary Title for Freedom of Expression for Samuel Baker Byansi and Investigative Collective IRPI
The Difference Day Honorary Title for Freedom of Expression 2025 is awarded to Rwandan investigative journalist Samuel Baker Byansi and the Italian investigative platform IRPI (Investigative Reporting Project Italy). The award will be presented on May 2nd at Bozar by the rectors of Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Université libre de Bruxelles, in recognition of their courageous commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression.
Both Samuel Baker Byansi, who was forced to flee Rwanda due to his criticism of the Rwandan government, and IRPI, whose investigative journalism exposes deep-rooted issues within organized crime and corruption, are seen by the jury as powerful symbols in the fight against repression and disinformation.
“For years, they have been exposing abuses, despite threats from authorities and powerful groups,” says VUB professor and academic lead Ike Picone. “They are a perfect match with our previous courageous laureates.”
Samuel Baker Byansi: A voice for free journalism in Sub-Saharan Africa
Samuel Baker Byansi is an investigative journalist, author, and human rights activist. He lives and works in Europe and is co-founder of M28 Investigates, a media platform that supports young investigative journalists in Sub-Saharan Africa through training and collaboration. Byansi played a key role in court cases before the Rwandan Supreme Court and the East African Court of Justice, which led to better protections for journalists and whistleblowers.
His journalistic work focuses on human rights, politics, security, corruption, and conflict in the Great Lakes region. His articles have appeared in newspapers and news magazines such as Le Monde, The Guardian, Knack, and Le Soir.
Alicja Gescinska, chair of PEN Flanders, nominated him: “It takes courage to pursue critical journalism in a country where dissenting voices are silenced. Samuel Baker Byansi embodies the ideals of free thought and speech.”
IRPI: pioneers in international investigative journalism
The Italian Investigative Reporting Project Italy (IRPI) was founded in 2011 following a meeting of young journalists at the Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Kyiv. Since then, IRPI has grown into a leading platform for in-depth journalism in a media landscape where long-term investigations are increasingly under pressure.
IRPI has built a strong reputation as an expert on organized crime, with reporting and revelations about the Italian mafia and corruption. In 2020, IRPI launched Irpimedia, expanding their work with podcasts and visual storytelling. Through Irpileaks, their secure platform for anonymous tips, they protect sources and facilitate the sharing of sensitive information by whistleblowers.
Ides Debruyne, director of Journalismfund Europe, commented: “Cross-border collaboration is one of IRPI’s core ingredients for standing strong in a hostile political climate where democracy is under daily threat. Let IRPI be an inspiration to young journalists around the world.”
About Difference Day
Difference Day was established in 2015, following the deadly terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo. Caroline Pauwels (1964-2022), then director of VUB’s research group Studies on Media, Information and Telecommunication (SMIT) and later rector of VUB, wanted to publicly show solidarity with journalists in danger. Together with VUB’s sister university ULB, Erasmushogeschool Brussels, and the Brussels arts center Bozar, she created a platform where journalists, authors, and media professionals – both local and international, established names and newcomers – could share their stories, exchange experiences, and receive recognition. The initiative was named Difference Day.
Under the patronage of the European Parliament and UNESCO, and with support from major Belgian media groups, the event has been raising public awareness of the vital importance of independent journalism and freedom of expression for the proper functioning of democracy for the past ten years.
This year, Difference Day will take place on Friday, May 2nd from 12:00 PM at Bozar, under the original slogan: “Speak Freely, Listen Respectfully, Different Opinions Matter.”
More information about Difference Day and the 2025 program can be found [here].
More info about Difference Day and the programme of 2025 can be found here.
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