The Birthday of Heorhiy Honhadze. The Widow Shared Archival Photos and Spoke About the Award Nominees.

Ceremony of the Heorhiy Honhadze Award

Today, May 21, marks the birthday of Ukrainian journalist Heorhiy Honhadze. On this day, the award ceremony named after Heorhiy Honhadze will take place in memory of his contribution to the development of independent journalism. This was announced by his widow, the well-known TV presenter, journalist, and lawyer Myroslava Honhadze.

'Today is a bright day for the birthday of Heorhiy. Just like at his 25th birthday celebration, today at the award ceremony named after Heorhiy Honhadze, the Pikkardiyska Terciya will perform. Join us today at the event we are creating in memory of Heorhiy and for the nurturing of Ukraine's future,' - said Myroslava Honhadze.

The Heorhiy Honhadze Award was established in 2019 and is awarded annually on May 21, on the journalist's birthday. This year, the finalists included candidates such as photographer Ivan Lyubish-Kirdey, editor-in-chief of The Kyiv Independent Olha Rudenko, and investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach.

Life and Death of Heorhiy Honhadze

Heorhiy Honhadze, a prominent Ukrainian journalist of Georgian descent, founder and first editor-in-chief of 'Ukrainska Pravda', was known for his active journalistic work. Tragically, he disappeared on September 16, 2000, in Kyiv, and his decapitated body was found in a forest 100 km away from the city on November 2, 2000. This event, known as the 'Honhadze Case', triggered a wide public resonance.

In 2005, former employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were convicted for the abduction and murder of Heorhiy Honhadze, and the case became a symbol of the struggle for freedom of speech in Ukraine, revealing issues of corruption and impunity of power. In memory of the journalist, a memorial park was created, which has been visited by people 24 years after his disappearance, honoring his memory.