23 Apr 2008 | Comment
Francisco Goldman accepts the Index on Censorship TR Fyvel Book Award for his work, The Art of Political Murder: Who killed Bishop Gerardi?. The culmination of years of investigative journalism, The Art of the Political Murder is an astonishing account of the search for the killers of Guatemalan bishop Juan Gerardi. The book has made a huge impact in Guatamela, even majorly influencing the result of the recent presidential election.
22 Apr 2008 | News and features
Wikileaks and journalist Arat Dink was honoured by Index on Censorship at a ceremony in London last night.
(more…)
22 Apr 2008 | Comment
Choosing which film should win the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression award was a tough process for the judges, writes Lemn Sissay
I’ve been led down the winding stairs into a gloomy room in the basement of an east London office block. It’s full of locked files and cabinets and boxes. In the centre of the room is a long table and seated are the judges. We’re here to decide the winners of the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards, announced at a ceremony in London last night. The awards were launched in 2000 to honour those who, often at great personal risk, have given voice to issues and stories that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. There are five awards in total, the TR Fyvel Book award, the Bindmans Law and Campaigning award, the Economist New Media award, the Guardian Journalism award and the Index Film Award, the first to be discussed.
There are four contenders: Battle for Haditha, Ahlaam (Dreams), Black Gold and 12.08 East of Bucharest. Battle for Haditha, directed by Nick Broomfield, is based on real events. But a judge enlightens us that charges against some of the soldiers have recently been dropped. With a QC on the judging panel this became a vote-changing issue. The next film, East of Bucharest, was hilarious but weaker, we felt.
Though we are all respectful of each others’ opinion, there’s only one film I want to win. I forget that the other members are thinking the same thing — but with possibly different winners in mind. One by one we discuss the remaining two films. It’s not easy this. But a consensus is beginning to emerge. The remaining two films are the contenders, not by default but by design.
(more…)
19 Mar 2008 | Uncategorized
Click here for information about buying tickets or tables for the event
The Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards were launched in 2000 to honour those who, often at great personal risk, have given voice to issues and stories that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
(more…)
