Prizes – The Freedom of Expression Prize
The Freedom of Expression Prize
The Freedom of Expression Prize is the institution's highest distinction. According to its statutes, the Prize is preferably to be awarded in early May each year in connection with the commemoration of Norway's liberation from German Occupation. The Prize is an acknowledgement accorded to individuals or institutions engaged in activities deemed especially worthwhile in the light of the institution's objects clause. In extraordinary cases, two Prizes can be awarded during the same year, or the Prize can be divided between two recipients. The Prize is accompanied by the Freedom of Expression statuette, crafted by Nils Aas, and a sum of money. The decision to award the Prize is made by the Freedom of Expression Foundation's Board of Trustees.
Prize Laureates:
2013
Per Fugelli is awarded the Freedom of Expression Prize for 2013 for having given a voice to cancer patients and those who stand face to face with death.
Press release
Speech by Georg Fr. Rieber-Mohn, Chair of the Board of Trustees (in Norwegian)
Speech by Per Fugelli (in Norwegian)
Streaming from the ceremony
2012
Sara Azmeh Rasmussen is awarded the Freedom of Expression Prize for 2012 for her courageous, uncompromising commitment to promoting the integrity of the individual, and to freedom of expression and criticism of religion.
Press release
Speech by Georg Fr. Rieber-Mohn, Chair of the Board of Trustees (in Norwegian)
Speech by Sara Azmeh Rasmussen (in Norwegian)
2011
Anders Sømme Hammer is awarded the Freedom of Expression Prize for 2011 for his independent, critical coverage of the war in Afghanistan. He lives in Afghanistan, where he works as a freelance journalist. By travelling around the country without an escort and at great personal risks, he manages to come into close contact with Afghan civilians. His critical analyses also address the media coverage of the war.
Speech by Francis Sejersted, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Speech by Anders Sømme Hammer (Norwgian text)
2010
Bushra Ishaq has, with her firm grounding in the Muslim faith and community, and with her reasoning and bridge-building approach, helped further a general understanding of what it means to live in today's multi-cultural society.
Abid Q. Raja has created arenas for dialogue meetings on topics of importance for the public debate. He has been an energetic social commentator at a time of conflict.
2009
Nina Karin Monsen for her thoroughly reflective and independent contributions to a more open public debate.
Speech by Francis Sejersted, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
2008
Per-Yngve Monsen for, as an employee of a major multi-national corporation, having blown the whistle on illegal invoicing in connection with public contracts. The whistleblowing entailed formidable personal hardships. In this situation, Monsen has displayed courage and perseverance.
2007
Terje Tvedt has used his vast expertise to examine Norwegian development cooperation and peace policies and the close connection between NGOs, research institutions, the political community and the Norwegian State. With a critical look at Norwegian policies and how they work, he has challenged our self-image and perceptions of the world. Among other things, he has been concerned with the similarities and differences between colonialism and development aid policy.
2006
Bjørgulv Braanen for his outstanding contribution to serious political journalism in cooperation with his co-workers at Klassekampen. Under Braanen's management, Klassekampen has become an important arena for independent discussions without this being at the expense of the newspaper's clear political profile.
2005
Nina Witoszek for contributing her astute, articulate descriptions of Eastern European experiences into the Norwegian debate, challenging stereotypical Norwegian opinions.
2004
Unni Wikan for insightful, outspoken and challenging contributions to the debate on value conflicts in the multi-cultural society.
2003
Berge Furre for his courageous and powerful use of free speech in Norwegian public life for several decades.
2002
Aslam Ahsan for his fearless, long-term efforts to build bridges between cultures.
Shabana Rehman for the dauntless, vigorous and innovative use of free speech for the same purpose.
2001
Professor Nils Christie for his original and independent contributions to the Norwegian and international social debate.
2000
Thomas Chr. Wyller for his compelling contributions to the Norwegian social debate over several decades.
1999
The staff of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's P2 radio station for distinguished, high-quality journalism.
1998
Aleksandr Nikitin for, at great personal sacrifice, having helped make the world aware of the serious threat represented by nuclear waste in the High North.
1997
Kåre Willoch for his independent contributions to Norway's social debate.
1996
Arne Skouen for his vigilant, dauntless journalistic and artistic activities.
1995
Hanne Sophie Greve for her fearless, self-sacrificing efforts for refugees and war victims by exposing serious infringements of human rights in different parts of the world, including genocide and other war crimes in the former Yugoslavia.
1994
William Nygaard for consistent, heroic protection of freedom of expression.
1993
Rolv E. Ryssdal for his active, determined protection of human rights.
1992
Annette Thommessen for her dauntless use of free speech to defend the interests of immigrants and for her strong commitment to fostering mutual understanding and respect in Norwegian society.
1991
Nordland County Academy of Art and Science. The initiative taken by the founders has borne abundant fruit. The Academy's activities have demonstrated cultural diversity and high quality, making Melbu an international meeting place for scientists, artists and culture workers.
1990
The Charta 77 Foundation for the courageous, relentless and judicious use of free speech in the struggle for human rights and liberty.
1988
Leo Eitinger for the consistent use of free speech, his vigilance against xenophobia and intolerance, and his humane concern for the victims of war and violence.
1987
The Fridtjof Nansen Academy for nearly 50 years of unflagging efforts to promote humanist ideas and cultural diversity.
1986
Magli and Torolf Elster for their imaginative and meaningful use of free speech in poetry and prose and for their ardent commitment to the refugees of the world.
1985
Den Illegale Presses Forening (The Underground Press Association) for the intrepid use of the free word.
1984
Association of North Norwegian Authors for, through its work in recent years, having helped enfranchise creative talent and self-awareness among authors, and bringing the joys of northern Norwegian poetry and prose to the people of the region.
1983
Kjetil Bang-Hansen for his innovative work with Norwegian dramatic art.
1982
Lech Walesa for, as the most prominent spokesman for Solidarity, with incredible courage and strength of character and no regard for personal risk, having used free speech to fight a totalitarian social system.
Hallvard Rieber-Mohn for his contributions to Norway's cultural and social debate and his work on the Press Complaints Commission.
1980
Andrej Sakharov for with nearly inconceivable spiritual strength, endurance and fearlessness, having fought for and practised free thought and free speech under the pressure of a totalitarian regime.
1979
Stein Mehren for, as a fearless, independent artist, his indefatigable efforts to use the free word to promote freedom. In his own words: "Thoughts that create freedom are more important than thoughts about freedom."
1978
Karen-Christine Friele for her efforts to engender understanding for the situation of homosexuals.
1977
Henrik Groth for his courageous use of the free word, for generating debate about language, literature and education, and for improving Norwegian society's understanding of the importance of freedom of information and press.
1976
Johan Vogt for his many years of dedicated efforts to help people suffering under regimes that restrict the freedom of thought, expression and press.
The Freedom of Expression Prize
The Freedom of Expression Prize is the institution's highest distinction. According to its statutes, the Prize is preferably to be awarded in early May each year in connection with the commemoration of Norway's liberation from German Occupation. The Prize is an acknowledgement accorded to individuals or institutions engaged in activities deemed especially worthwhile in the light of the institution's objects clause. In extraordinary cases, two Prizes can be awarded during the same year, or the Prize can be divided between two recipients. The Prize is accompanied by the Freedom of Expression statuette, crafted by Nils Aas, and a sum of money. The decision to award the Prize is made by the Freedom of Expression Foundation's Board of Trustees.
Prize Laureates:
2013
Per Fugelli is awarded the Freedom of Expression Prize for 2013 for having given a voice to cancer patients and those who stand face to face with death.
Press release
Speech by Georg Fr. Rieber-Mohn, Chair of the Board of Trustees (in Norwegian)
Speech by Per Fugelli (in Norwegian)
Streaming from the ceremony
2012
Sara Azmeh Rasmussen is awarded the Freedom of Expression Prize for 2012 for her courageous, uncompromising commitment to promoting the integrity of the individual, and to freedom of expression and criticism of religion.
Press release
Speech by Georg Fr. Rieber-Mohn, Chair of the Board of Trustees (in Norwegian)
Speech by Sara Azmeh Rasmussen (in Norwegian)
2011
Anders Sømme Hammer is awarded the Freedom of Expression Prize for 2011 for his independent, critical coverage of the war in Afghanistan. He lives in Afghanistan, where he works as a freelance journalist. By travelling around the country without an escort and at great personal risks, he manages to come into close contact with Afghan civilians. His critical analyses also address the media coverage of the war.
Speech by Francis Sejersted, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Speech by Anders Sømme Hammer (Norwgian text)
2010
Bushra Ishaq has, with her firm grounding in the Muslim faith and community, and with her reasoning and bridge-building approach, helped further a general understanding of what it means to live in today's multi-cultural society.
Abid Q. Raja has created arenas for dialogue meetings on topics of importance for the public debate. He has been an energetic social commentator at a time of conflict.
2009
Nina Karin Monsen for her thoroughly reflective and independent contributions to a more open public debate.
Speech by Francis Sejersted, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
2008
Per-Yngve Monsen for, as an employee of a major multi-national corporation, having blown the whistle on illegal invoicing in connection with public contracts. The whistleblowing entailed formidable personal hardships. In this situation, Monsen has displayed courage and perseverance.
2007
Terje Tvedt has used his vast expertise to examine Norwegian development cooperation and peace policies and the close connection between NGOs, research institutions, the political community and the Norwegian State. With a critical look at Norwegian policies and how they work, he has challenged our self-image and perceptions of the world. Among other things, he has been concerned with the similarities and differences between colonialism and development aid policy.
2006
Bjørgulv Braanen for his outstanding contribution to serious political journalism in cooperation with his co-workers at Klassekampen. Under Braanen's management, Klassekampen has become an important arena for independent discussions without this being at the expense of the newspaper's clear political profile.
2005
Nina Witoszek for contributing her astute, articulate descriptions of Eastern European experiences into the Norwegian debate, challenging stereotypical Norwegian opinions.
2004
Unni Wikan for insightful, outspoken and challenging contributions to the debate on value conflicts in the multi-cultural society.
2003
Berge Furre for his courageous and powerful use of free speech in Norwegian public life for several decades.
2002
Aslam Ahsan for his fearless, long-term efforts to build bridges between cultures.
Shabana Rehman for the dauntless, vigorous and innovative use of free speech for the same purpose.
2001
Professor Nils Christie for his original and independent contributions to the Norwegian and international social debate.
2000
Thomas Chr. Wyller for his compelling contributions to the Norwegian social debate over several decades.
1999
The staff of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's P2 radio station for distinguished, high-quality journalism.
1998
Aleksandr Nikitin for, at great personal sacrifice, having helped make the world aware of the serious threat represented by nuclear waste in the High North.
1997
Kåre Willoch for his independent contributions to Norway's social debate.
1996
Arne Skouen for his vigilant, dauntless journalistic and artistic activities.
1995
Hanne Sophie Greve for her fearless, self-sacrificing efforts for refugees and war victims by exposing serious infringements of human rights in different parts of the world, including genocide and other war crimes in the former Yugoslavia.
1994
William Nygaard for consistent, heroic protection of freedom of expression.
1993
Rolv E. Ryssdal for his active, determined protection of human rights.
1992
Annette Thommessen for her dauntless use of free speech to defend the interests of immigrants and for her strong commitment to fostering mutual understanding and respect in Norwegian society.
1991
Nordland County Academy of Art and Science. The initiative taken by the founders has borne abundant fruit. The Academy's activities have demonstrated cultural diversity and high quality, making Melbu an international meeting place for scientists, artists and culture workers.
1990
The Charta 77 Foundation for the courageous, relentless and judicious use of free speech in the struggle for human rights and liberty.
1988
Leo Eitinger for the consistent use of free speech, his vigilance against xenophobia and intolerance, and his humane concern for the victims of war and violence.
1987
The Fridtjof Nansen Academy for nearly 50 years of unflagging efforts to promote humanist ideas and cultural diversity.
1986
Magli and Torolf Elster for their imaginative and meaningful use of free speech in poetry and prose and for their ardent commitment to the refugees of the world.
1985
Den Illegale Presses Forening (The Underground Press Association) for the intrepid use of the free word.
1984
Association of North Norwegian Authors for, through its work in recent years, having helped enfranchise creative talent and self-awareness among authors, and bringing the joys of northern Norwegian poetry and prose to the people of the region.
1983
Kjetil Bang-Hansen for his innovative work with Norwegian dramatic art.
1982
Lech Walesa for, as the most prominent spokesman for Solidarity, with incredible courage and strength of character and no regard for personal risk, having used free speech to fight a totalitarian social system.
Hallvard Rieber-Mohn for his contributions to Norway's cultural and social debate and his work on the Press Complaints Commission.
1980
Andrej Sakharov for with nearly inconceivable spiritual strength, endurance and fearlessness, having fought for and practised free thought and free speech under the pressure of a totalitarian regime.
1979
Stein Mehren for, as a fearless, independent artist, his indefatigable efforts to use the free word to promote freedom. In his own words: "Thoughts that create freedom are more important than thoughts about freedom."
1978
Karen-Christine Friele for her efforts to engender understanding for the situation of homosexuals.
1977
Henrik Groth for his courageous use of the free word, for generating debate about language, literature and education, and for improving Norwegian society's understanding of the importance of freedom of information and press.
1976
Johan Vogt for his many years of dedicated efforts to help people suffering under regimes that restrict the freedom of thought, expression and press.
Prizes