Paul Klebnikov Courage in Journalism Award Winner

Bagila Bukharbayeva had to flee her native Uzbekistan because of the government’s response to her independent coverage of the Andijan uprising in May 2005. Now Bukharbayeva works as the Central Asia correspondent for the Associated Press news service. She is responsible for the wire service’s coverage of the region, supervising and editing the work of stringers. She has 12 years’ journalism experience, a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Tashkent State University and a master’s degree in international journalism from City University in London, England.

"I hope the exchange will allow me to refresh my views about journalism through exchanging ideas and discussing various issues with the other participants, the ICFJ people and other U.S. journalists. I think it's always very useful to take a pause and see where you are and where are you going."

The Paul Klebnikov Fund recognizes an experienced journalist whose work best exemplifies Klebnikov’s vision of journalism as a force for civic betterment in Russia and the rest of the former Soviet Union.

Bukharbayeva will also participate in the October 11 panel discussion: "Journalists Under Fire: Covering Conflict in Four Global Hot Spots" at the National Press Club. To attend, or for more information, contact Michelle Schaner at ije@icfj.org. Or, to download the invitation, click here.

For interview requests, please contact Dawn Arteaga at darteaga@icfj.org.