A prominent figure in Palestinian media, Mousa Rimawi dedicated his career to advocating for media freedom, human rights, and the protection of journalists in Palestine.
"As attacks on Palestinian journalists became more and more frequent, I had the idea of setting up a center for media and freedom of expression together with colleagues and friends. Before that, there was no organisation we could go to with our problems or that would represent our interests."
Born and raised in Palestine, Mousa Rimawi developed a passion for journalism and media advocacy from a young age. After a career in print media and reporting on local human rights violations, he played a crucial role in co-founding and serving as the General Director of the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA Center) in 2006 as a response to escalating attacks against Palestinian journalists.
Rimawi was instrumental in fostering the organisation’s growth and its dedication to promoting and advancing freedom of expression, safety of journalists, and the right to access information in Palestine. Today, MADA documents violations against media workers, provides legal and professional support to journalists, conducts research and studies on media-related issues, and advocates for policy changes to enhance press freedom. In 2016, a decade after its founding, MADA achieved a significant milestone by gaining special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
“Only when we strengthen freedom of expression can our society really develop – that is our firm conviction.”
Mousa Rimawi in an interview with DW Akademie
A vocal advocate for the release of imprisoned journalists and the creation of a safe and enabling environment for media professionals to operate in Palestine, Rimawi was also involved in various regional and international initiatives dedicated to advancing media freedoms. He participated in initiatives, conferences, and workshops where he shared his expertise and insights on the challenges faced by Palestinian journalists.
With a record of collaborating extensively with regional networks dedicated to media freedoms and information integrity in the region, Rimawi served as president of the MENA Network for Countering Hate Speech in media and on social networks. In 2016, he was elected to the Executive Committee of the Global Forum for Media Development to represent MADA and later chosen as one of Deutsche Welle’s Champion of free expression.
Mousa Rimawi passed away in December 2022, leaving behind an enduring legacy of tireless advocacy for media freedom and human rights. His unwavering dedication to the protection of journalists serves as an enduring source of inspiration.
“Mousa was an active participant in the IFEX Network. He recognized the importance of connecting with other groups in the region as well as international organisations and others involved in promoting and defending freedom of expression and information. He was dogged in his support of the Palestinian people and those who worked on improving media freedom in such a challenging environment. He worked so hard and engaged actively wherever he could to ensure these issues remained top priority. Mousa brought a pragmatic approach tinged with his wry and sharpened sense of humour that made him a valued member and friend in the network.”
Annie Game, former IFEX Executive Director
Illustration by Florian Nicolle
