The Fetisov Journalists Awards are in mourning following the death of Andrei Jvirblis, a courageous defender of journalists' rights and member of the FJA Experts Council who died suddenly on August 17 in Paris after a heart attack.

Andrei was a Russian-French journalist and activist renowned for his work representing independent and journalists and media workers.

“Andrie was a dear friend of journalists across the globe,” said Aidan White, for the FJA Executive Committee. “He was a great colleague and committed defender of independent journalism. His passing is a great loss to all of us.”

Andrei was tireless in his journalism and activism, as a writer and columnist for numerous publications, and always focused on support for freedom and rights of independent voices in journalism and society at large.

He was a staunch supporter of both the European Federation of Journalists and the International Federation of journalists who this week paid tribute to work.

Journalists leaders across Europe joined members of the FJA expert group in expressing condolences and sympathy to Sofia Rusova, his partner, his son Daniel Jvirblis and all his friends and family.

Ricardo Gutierrez, Secretary-General of the European Federation of Journalists and a fellow member of the FJA Expert Group said: “Andrei was kindness personified. Always ready to bend over backwards for others.”