
On the 1st anniversary of the passing of our dear colleague Michael Wagtmann, who worked with IMS (International Media Support) for the better part of two decades, we express our sorrow for the void left by his passing and our gratitude for his huge efforts to support public freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of the media in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
“Michael was a dear friend and without any doubt the most visionary diplomat that I have ever met. He was hugely committed to the human rights and press freedom actors in MENA but also globally. His intelligent observations of global politics earned him tremendous respect. But first and foremost, he was passionate about helping individual journalists and human rights activist – so often he went out of his way to fight their cause”, said IMS Executive Director Jesper Højberg.
Wagtmann was a keen follower of news from the MENA region about detained human rights defenders, including journalists, and his great joy was visible when he heard good news about their release.
We must also mention his tireless efforts to support independent civil society organisations that were and still are operating in an unfavourable and oppressive environment.
“Michael, this wonderful, kind-hearted man, who always had a smile on his face, made every effort to use his experience working with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advance the human rights movement in our region,” said Khalid Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR).
He also was instrumental in the establishment of the first Arab group to monitor hate speech in the media, in addition to his support for dozens of grants that contributed to the establishment of many civil society organisations which continue to work to this day.
On 30 September 2024, the anniversary of his passing, we say, “We will remember you, Michael!”
Thank you and thanks also to your family, and you will remain in our hearts as a dear friend.
Signed,
International Media Support (IMS)
Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR)