MOHAMED TADJADIT

Arts Award | Winner | Freedom of Expression Awards

Imprisoned Algerian poet Mohamed Tadjadit has won the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award in the Arts category. At a time where cultural figures are increasingly being targeted for their work, the award celebrates artists and art producers whose work challenges repression and injustice and celebrates artistic free expression.

Tadjadit is an artist who has dedicated his life (and freedom) to challenging oppression. Known as “the poet of the Hirak,” he became an emblematic figure of peaceful resistance in Algeria, sharing his poetry in darija (Algerian Arabic). His voice-raw, poetic, and deeply rooted in social reality-quickly became a popular expression of the anger, hope, and dignity of a people striving for freedom.

Currently imprisoned in Algeria, Tadjadit is due to face a new trial on 30th November 2025 with charges that could carry the death penalty - a reminder of devastating lengths authoritarian regimes will go to silence those who oppose them.

Zaki Hannache, Mohammed Tadjadit’s lawyer said:

“On behalf of Mohamed Tadjadit and his family, I would like to thank you for this award. It is a recognition of his struggle for freedom of expression and the rule of law in Algeria. Through his poetry, Mohamed has given voice to a generation seeking dignity and justice. This award honors his journey and reminds us that free art is always an act of resistance and hope.”

The winners were announced on 19 November at a ceremony in London. The jury panel for the 2025 awards is made up of Baroness Hollick OBE; Can Dündar, award-winning journalist; Sir Trevor Phillips OBE, chair of Index on Censorship; Ben Preston, Culture, Arts and Books Editor of The Times & Sunday Times; Jemimah Steinfeld, CEO of Index on Censorship.

The 2025 Freedom of Expression Awards are sponsored by Rosenblatt Law (headline sponsor), Edwardian Hotels (event sponsor), News UK (Journalism), and the Hollick Family Foundation (Campaigning).