European Union launches 15th edition of the "Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press" – An-Nahar

BEIRUT: The European Union launched a candidate call for the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press at the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon earlier on Tuesday.

During the press conference, Ambassador Ralph Tarraf reaffirmed the European Unions commitment to pursue Samir Kassir's struggle for free speech and an independent free press.

Since 2006, the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press rewards journalists who are devoting their lives to human rights and democracy despite the persecution and threats confronting them. The competition for the award has attracted more than 2,500 candidates over the past 15 years.

"Freedom of expression lies at the core of the European Union values, and we are strongly committed to defend independent media and protect press freedom and media pluralism, said Tarraf.

During the conference, Khoury announced that the contest is open to candidates from North Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf until April 1, 2020, and three awards will be granted for the best: opinion article, investigative article, and audiovisual news report.

The contributions must be centered on subjects relating to rule of law, human rights, good governance, fight against corruption, freedom of expression, democratic development and citizen participation.

The jury will be composed of seven voting members from Arab and European media and one observer representing the European Union. The names of the jury members will be communicated during the prize-awarding ceremony, which will take place on 2 June 2020 in Beirut, marking the 15th memorial of Samir Kassirs assassination.

The winner of each of the three categories will receive a prize of 10,000.

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European Union launches 15th edition of the "Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press" - An-Nahar