Index on Censorship to celebrate champions of free expression in organisation’s fiftieth year
This year’s Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards, hosted by actress, writer and activist Tracy-Ann Oberman, will take place in London this weekend (Sunday 12th September).
The Freedom of Expression Awards, which were first held in 2000, celebrate individuals or groups who have had a significant impact fighting censorship anywhere in the world. Index on Censorship believe that everyone should be free to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution, and aim to raise awareness about threats to free expression and the importance of free speech. This year’s awards are particularly significant, coming as the organisation celebrates its 50th birthday.
Awards will be presented in three categories: campaigning, arts, and journalism, along with a separate Trustees Award. This year’s panel of judges includes Afghan born Pakistani poet and writer Fatima Bhutto, renowned sculptor Anish Kapoor, and feminist and LGBT activist and academic Ailbhe Smyth. Winners join Index’s Awards Fellowship programme and receive dedicated training and support.
The shortlisted candidates for the Art award include Russian feminist performance artist Daria Apakhonchich, Brazilian film director Émerson Maranhão and Tatyana Zelenskaya, who is an illustrator based in Kyrgyzstan.
The Campaigning shortlist features feminist blogger and podcaster Nandar from Myanmar, Algerian human rights defender and LGBTQ activist Anouar Rahmani, and imprisoned Egyptian human rights activist Abdelrahman «Moka» Tarek.
Finally, the shortlisted candidates for the Journalism award include human rights activist and journalist Kadar Abdi Ibrahim from Djibouti, and Nigerian blogger Samira Sabou who was arrested in 2020 and charged with defamation under a restrictive 2019 cybercrime law.
Index on Censorship chief executive Ruth Smeeth said:
«As Index marks our 50th birthday it’s clear that the battle to guarantee free expression and free expression around the globe has never been more relevant».
«Each and every one of our award nominees has demonstrated exceptional courage and conviction, even in the face of the most terrifying repression. It is our privilege to help tell their inspirational stories to the world».