Werner Holzer Prize awarded to Katja Gloger and DW's Jaafar Abdul Karim

The Werner Holzer Prize was awarded to Katja Gloger and DW journalist Jaafar Abdul Karim, honoring their significant contributions to foreign correspondence and journalism. At a time when press freedom faces challenges, this award celebrates the profession's importance to democracy. The ceremony took place in Frankfurt's Römer, commemorating Werner Holzer's 100th birthday.

Holzer, a veteran reporter and editor-in-chief of the Frankfurter Rundschau, spent decades reporting from significant global hotspots and promoting international journalism. The 2026 winners represent the award's breadth and ambition. First prize went to Katja Gloger, a Russia correspondent who accompanied Vladimir Putin in his early presidency. Her book, "The Failure: An Investigative Report of Germany's Russia Policy," critiques Germany's misjudgments and illusions in Russian policy.

Second prize was given to Jaafar Abdul Karim, a DW journalist with a talk show reaching millions in the Arab world and Germany. His discussions often address taboo subjects. Abdul Karim accepted the award, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diverse perspectives in journalism, especially in challenging times.

Luise Land, a freelance journalist, received a research grant for her project on the enduring legacy of German colonialism in Namibia. The jury commended Gloger for her access to Russian power elites, from Gorbachev to Putin, and her advocacy for fact-based journalism. Abdul Karim stressed the importance of honest dialogue, rejecting hate speech and discrimination. The prize highlights the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the crucial role of journalism in contemporary society.