The Norwegian Authors Union’s Freedom of Expression Award for 2007 has been given to Tsering Woeser. The Tibetan writer, living in the People´s Republic of China, was selected among many candidates. -We are very proud that a Tibetan writer is receiving this prestigious prize, says Chungdak Koren, chairwoman of the Norwegian Tibet Committee. (17-DEC-07)

The official statement from the Norwegian Authors Union says “ The Norwegian Authors Union is convinced that in this year’s(2007) prize winner, we have found a worthy recipient who bravely has chosen to publish her books even though they have a content considered controversial by the Chinese authorities. Through her articles and various blogs, Woeser devotes her time to the struggle for freedom of expression, also writing about the Chinese suppression and colonialisation of Tibet. Norwegian Authors Union appreciates that Woeser represents a new generation of bloggers in the People´s Republic of China, challenging a state monopoly on the access to information through using the Internet. It is very clear to us that by giving this prize to Tsering Woeser we have found a female author that are in the middle of one of the most important struggles for freedom of expression in our time”

The prize will consist of N.kr 100 000 and a certificate of merit. The award ceremony will take place in Olso during the Annual Meeting of the Authors Union 8 march 2008.


For more information:
Norwegain Authors Union, President Mrs Anne Oterholm, tel +47 23357620
Website  http://www.forfatterforeningen.no/

Norwegain Tibet Committee Chungdak Koren tel  + 4795024443

Den norske Tibet Komité
Menneskerettighethuset
Tordenskioldsgt  6b
0160 Oslo
Tel: 22479222 Fax: 22479201
Email: info@tibet.no    www.tibet.no