Deyda Hydara, a Gambian editorwho was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in December 2004, has been honoured with the 2005 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award. Hydara was editor and co-founder of the independent newspaper The Point, as well as a correspondent for Agence France-Presse and press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Since the editors murder, the Gambian authorities have done little to find his attackers. At the time of his murder, Deyda was leading a protest against newly enacted draconian laws that would further restrict press freedom in Gambia. The Point newspaper was one of two independent newspapers in Gambia. The award was presented on 20 April in New York. Two of Deyda Hydara’s children were present to receive the award on behalf of the family, Marie Hydara, and Ismaila Hydara. Alagi Yorro Jallow, managing editor of The Independent, the second privately owned newspaper, is today forced to run his newspaper from outside the country, due to fears for his own safety.

In Africa, Deyda Hydara was also honoured by his Gambian colleagues on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day. In commemoration of this day, the Gambia Press Union (GPU), launched a "Deyda Hydara Foundation for Freedom of Expression" in memory of the slain editor. The Foundation’s main objectives are to support freedom of expression and media rights in Gambia and ensure the protection of the lives and properties of journalists who are threatened because of their views.