The Freelancers' Choice

This Award is for the person who has made an outstanding contribution to the work of freelancers. The Award has been chosen by freelancers themselves entirely from their own nominations.

The winner of the Freelancers' Choice 2000 is:

Abed Takoush
Driver / producer, Southern Lebanon

"A man who had lived through the crisis in Lebanon's past 25 years was probably the last person to die, he gave so much to so many people around the world."

For 25 years, Abed faithfully, diligently and honestly served the foreign press. His knowledge of the country, impartiality to people and the differing factions made him a cut above the rest, always seeking to assist his client in telling the most accurate and best story possible. His reputation and knowledge was sought by journalists from all parts of the world from Australia to Denmark. He worked with correspondents and crews from print, radio and television. Many times he saved lives with ever vigilant eyes and knowledge. He knew if a situation was safe, or he knew the risks to take for a better story. He was often with teams in the middle of invasions by the Israelis and would joyfully recount the experiences. One incredible moment was in 1996: a freelance cameraman told us how "Abed was driving us when the Israelis shelled a UN convoy trying to get relief supplies to people stranded in a village. As we left, with shells coming in, it was Abed who sat, assessed the situation and drove us to safety."

Abed was killed by an Israeli tank shell in May 2000 whilst working with the BBC covering the withdrawal from Southern Lebanon.

Also nominated for The Freelancers' Choice 2000:

Brian Brewer
UK Honorary Consul, Liberia

Tomo Kriznar
Writer and self-taught reporter, Slovenia

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• Winners
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• The Freelancers' Choice
  
  
• Programme
• From the Chairman
• The Trust in 2000
• No Clear Frontlines
• Judging Panel
• List of Entrants
• News From the Edge
• Acknowledgements

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