Atlas Network and Cátedra Vargas Llosa recognize the winner of the IV Young Journalism Prize Carlos Alberto Montaner

Río de Janeiro—The winner of the IV Young Journalism Prize Carlos Alberto Montaner, Iñigo Arredondo Vera, was recognized on February 7, 2025, in the closing dinner proceedings of Atlas Network’s Latin America Liberty Forum 2025, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The award, which this year celebrates its fifth anniversary, aims to recognize and promote emerging talents in Ibero-American journalism. It is endowed with 10,000 USD and highlights excellence, journalistic rigor, ethical consistency, and the defense of freedom in the practice of journalism.

The 2024 Prize was announced during the annual Advisory Council Proceedings of the Fundación Internacional de la Libertad, in Santo Domingo, November. It was awarded to Mexican journalist Íñigo Arredondo Vera, for his outstanding work Las Armas de Ovidio (The Weapons of Ovidio), a chilling documentary on the trade of weapons and drugs along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The jury recognized the report for its rigor, relevance, depth, and courage. Atlas Network would like to congratulate Íñigo Arredondo Vera, as well as the outstanding entries of all other six finalists.

The Young Journalism Award Carlos Alberto Montaner honors the legacy of the renowned Cuban journalist and writer and seeks to inspire future generations to continue defending free, rigorous journalism committed to democratic values. The award aims to encourage new generations to explore, with rigor and imagination, the narratives and stories that best exemplify the values of liberty.

Gina Montaner, Mr. Montaner’s daughter, a recognized journalist and prominent activist in the defense of freedom of expression, has agreed to chair the jury on a permanent basis.

The fifth installment in 2025 contest will be announced next May, when Cátedra Vargas Llosa will begin accepting new entries for this year’s competition.