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An opposition youth activist and columnist Seymur Khaziyev (right) says he was abducted and beaten up over the weekend in an attack he linked to his opposition activities. International freedom of expression and human rights organisations condemn the 26 March 2011 abduction and beating of Khaziyev.

The winners of the 11th annual Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards we announced on 24 March in London. This year much attention was paid to those who struggle against censorship and promote freedom of expression, transparency, human rights and democratic change.

The 11th annual Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards honour those who, often at great personal risk, give voice to issues and stories from around the globe that may otherwise have passed unnoticed. This year there are four categories. Find more about the nominees.

Two well-known Turkish writers and journalists Ahmet Şık and Nedim Şener, along with eight other writers and journalists, were detained last week. Şık and Şener were both formally charged with being members of the Ergenekon organisation, and taken to Metris Prison in Istanbul to await trial. Both are believed to be detained for their research into and writings about the Ergenekon investigation under which over 200 people are being tried on allegations of involvement in coup plots.

Investigative reporting is a dangerous business in Azerbaijan. On the anniversary of Elmar Huseynov’s murder the International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan gathered in Strasbourg to call for release of independent journalist Eynulla Fatullayev. They call on the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers to fulfil its mandate by demanding the immediate release of imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Eynulla Fatullayev during its 8-10 March human rights meeting.

The Kazakh authorities have failed to fulfill their pledges to improve the legal framework for media and protect the right to freedom of expression as made prior and during its chairmanship of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), says Article’s 19 statement. It highlights the shortcomings of the recent amendments to the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan related to defamation and insult.

English PEN is calling on our members to join a worldwide reading campaign for our Honorary Member imprisoned writer and Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo. The aim of the campaign, organised by the Internationales Literaturfestival Berlin, is to encourage as many of Liu’s supporters around the world to stage a reading of Liu Xiaobo’s poem ‘You Wait for me with Dust’ on 20 March 2011.

To: Sunday, 20. March 2011 Where: worldwide Host: Internationales Literaturfestival Berlin

The 11th annual Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards honour those who, often at great personal risk, have given voice to issues and stories from around the globe that would otherwise have passed unnoticed.