Reporters Without Borders Sweden has awarded The Marshall Project its Press Freedom Prize 2026, recognizing the nonprofit newsroom’s investigative and data journalism examining the U.S. criminal justice system.
The organization cited The Marshall Project’s work exposing systemic failures and abuses within institutions that wield enormous power over people’s lives, while elevating experiences and perspectives that often receive little attention in national media.
“At a time when press freedom faces growing pressures around the world, this recognition affirms why rigorous, independent journalism matters,” said Jennifer Peter, editor-in-chief of The Marshall Project. “Our journalists work every day to uncover facts, hold powerful institutions accountable and help people better understand a criminal justice system that affects millions of lives. We are deeply honored to have that work recognized by Reporters Without Borders.”
Reporters Without Borders Sweden has presented the Press Freedom Prize annually since 2003 to recognize organizations and independent journalists whose courageous work strengthens press freedom. The 2025 prize went to Journaliste en danger, a Congolese press freedom organization that documents attacks on journalists and works to combat impunity for those abuses.