As previously announced, Index on Censorship and English PEN have launched a joint inquiry into libel reform. This week's Economist carries a good round up of libel tourism issues, including this concern: The problem is not just money. Under...
Author Sherry Jones's novel about Mohammed's wife Aisha, The Jewel of Medina, sparked considerable controversy last year, culminating in an attack on her UK publisher's house. Jones has decided to start the new year with an interesting proposal for...
...so says Daniel Seaman of the Israeli government press office. Writing in the New York Times, Ethan Bronner postulates that this attitude may have its roots in Israel's 2006 conflict with Hezbollah. Then, domestic and international journalists...
Rachel Shabi in the Guardian points out the role of Israel's recently-created National Information Directorate in the portrayal of the conflict in Gaza. The Directorate was set up after an inquiry in to the second Lebanon war in 2006, with the aim...
A return to law and order, national pride and upright morals is colliding with Russia’s exuberant and scandal-seeking art world, writes Matthew Bown for Index on Censorship magazine's Amnesty award-winning 'How Free is the Russian Media' issue....
The twentieth anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeini's death sentence on Salman Rushdie (right) takes place in February 2009. In this article for Index on Censorship magazine, Kenan Malik looks at the changes in liberal attitudes to free expression and...
The New Statesman has apologised to businessman Nadhmi Auchi over a link posted on its website to previously published articles. The apology, on the front page of the magazine's website, reads: We recently published links to articles originally...
Irish politician, writer and intellectual Conor Cruise O'Brien has died at the age of 91. Always controversial, 'The Cruiser' was one of the few intellectual heavyweights in Irish politics. He was internationally renowned, but at home probably best...
We are now accepting nominations for the Freedom Of Expression Awards, Index on Censorship’s spring gathering of free expression heroes, advocates and supporters. The Freedom of Expression Awards celebrate our right to know and tell, and to...
The Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards honour those battling censorship, or those bringing to light stories that would otherwise be forgotten.
To make nominations and for any further information email [email protected]
TR Fyvel Book Award
This award is given to a book that has given new insight into issues or events, shown a perspective not often acknowledged, or given a platform to new voices. The book should have been first published (or made available) between January 2008 and February 2009 inclusive.
Index on Censorship Film Award
This award is given for a feature-length film or documentary that highlights issues around censorship or freedom of expression, or for a film whose power derives from its subject matter and the risks taken making and/or releasing it. Broadly, for commercial releases to be eligible they must have had a UK premier in a cinema or on television, or a DVD released in the UK between January 2008 and February 2009 inclusive.
PLEASE NOTE: For the TR Fyvel Book Award and Index on Censorship Film Award 10 preview/review copies must be sent to our address: Freedom of Expression Awards, Index on Censorship, 6-8 Amwell Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 1UQ
Bindmans Law and Campaigning Award
This award is given to lawyers or campaigners who have fought repression, or have struggled to change political climates and perceptions. Special attention is given to people using or establishing legal precedents to fight injustice.
The Index on Censorship New Media Award
This new award seeks to recognise the use of computer or Internet technology to foster debate, argument or dissent. Nominations can also cover those who enhance online freedom through the use of new technologies.
The Index on Censorship Journalism Award
This award recognises journalism of dogged determination and bravery, often representing a different point of view in the media. Special attention will be given to the context of the writing and the relevance of the issues.
NOMINATIONS CLOSE 27th February 2009
To make nominations, or for any further information on the awards or the presentation event please contact:
[email protected] or call 020 7278 2313
The Freedom of Expression Awards 2009 will be held in a prestigious London venue, gathering heroes of free expression to a unique event.
Keynote Speaker: Sir David Hare
Host: Jonathan Dimbleby
Judges: Emily Bell, Shaheed Fatima, Martin Rynja, Arti Lukha (tbc), Mark Kermode
Special Address: Richard Sambrook, BBC World
To read about previous winners, click here