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José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas, head editor of the independent digital platform El Toque, was honored this Thursday with the ICFJ Knight International Journalism Award 2026, one of the most prestigious international journalism awards in the world, granted by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Nieves himself confirmed the recognition on his social media, where he explained that he shares the award with the Sudanese independent journalist Zeinab Mohammed Salih.
The jury highlighted the innovative nature of the work done by El Toque, with special attention to two projects: the exchange rate monitor for the informal market and "La Travesía," the database documenting deceased and missing Cuban migrants along migration routes.
"They grant it to me, says the jury, for the innovative work we do at El Toque, and they are particularly impressed by the currency exchange service and that of La Travesía," wrote Nieves.
The journalist, who has been living in exile since 2019 and leads a transnational editorial team operating from 10 countries, thus becomes the second Cuban to receive this award in nearly thirty years of the prize's history.
The first was journalist Yoani Sánchez, founder of 14ymedio, recognized in 2015.
Nieves proudly emphasized, "It is truly an honor to be the second Cuban to receive one of the most important international journalism awards and to do so on behalf of a team that has weathered challenges and difficulties for the stubborn decision to serve its country."
Recognition comes after months of intense persecution by the Cuban regime against El Toque and its director.
In November 2025, Nieves suffered an act of repudiation in Mexico organized by supporters of Castroism, and days later he reported that the regime was attempting to fabricate a criminal case against members and collaborators of the media outlet, accusing them of currency trafficking and tax evasion.
The dictatorship went so far as to label the publication of the informal exchange rate as "economic and financial terrorism," an accusation driven by official spokespersons like Humberto López.
In December 2025, the Inter-American Press Association demanded an end to the aggressions by the regime against the media.
Nieves framed the award within a broader political context, recalling that Cuba currently has more than 1,000 political prisoners: “A country where today there are over 1,000 political prisoners and people are dying of hunger, due to the stubbornness of a caste clinging to power; yet it could be very close to a pivotal moment.”
The formal presentation of the award is scheduled for November 10, 2026 in Washington D.C., during the ICFJ Tribute gala.
Nieves closed his message with a statement that encapsulates the spirit of his work: “I proudly receive this new recognition as evidence of the resilience of independent Cuban journalism and journalism in exile in general. Today, more than yesterday, long live a free Cuba and down with the dictatorship!”
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