This week, the Index on Censorship, an international organization that advocates for free expression around the world, opened up nominations for the 2014 Index Freedom of Expression Awards. Until December 6, you have an opportunity draw “attention to international champions of free expression and their causes…”
Cartoonists are some of the most influential and visible voices in political revolution, which frequently makes them the targets of censors and oppressive regimes. CBLDF has covered the struggles of several cartoonists over the past year, including Malaysian cartoonist Zunar, Palestitian cartoonist Fabi Abou Hassan, Singaporean cartoonist Leslie Chew, Toronto cartoonist Shahid Mahmood, Syrian cartoonist Ali Ferzat, Egyptian cartoonist Doaa el Adl, and many more.
The Index on Censorship includes artists among the categories for which you can nominate a free speech champion. From the official press release:
The Index on Censorship Awards recognise original voices who are bravely and creatively challenging censorship today. Previous winners include education campaigner Malala Yousafzai, Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya and Belarus Free Theatre. The four categories are:
Journalist: Recognising courageous, determined, high impact investigative journalism.
Digital Activist: Recognising ground-breaking digital work, defending free expression online.
Advocate/Campaigner: Recognising those who have changed legislation, political climates or perceptions.
Artist: For those facing censorship or using their work to fight for freedom of expression.
Please enter your nominations here. The closing date for entries is Friday 6th December 2013. The winners will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in London in March 2014.
Drawing attention to international champions of free expression and their causes, the Awards mark Index on Censorship’s birthday and the ongoing struggle against censorship around the world.
For more information, please contact David Heinemann: davidh@indexoncensorship.org
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