Bravery is a quality that is often associated with acts of physical courage and heroism. However, there are many forms of bravery that go beyond the battlefield and are equally deserving of recognition. In the world of publishing, bravery takes on a different meaning, one that is rooted in upholding the values of justice and freedom of expression. Since 2006, the International Publishers Association (IPA) has been honoring publishers who have displayed immense courage in the face of adversity through its prestigious Prix Voltaire Award.
This year, the IPA has recognized two individuals who have exemplified bravery in their respective fields – Gazan publisher, Omar Barghouti, and late Ukrainian writer, Oleg Sentsov. Both of them have faced immense challenges and have stood firm in their commitment to the principles of freedom of speech and human rights.
Omar Barghouti, a Palestinian publisher and human rights activist, has been awarded the Prix Voltaire for his unwavering dedication to promoting the freedom to publish in the face of political persecution. Barghouti is the co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which advocates for the rights of Palestinians and calls for an end to the Israeli occupation. His publishing house, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), has been at the forefront of promoting Palestinian literature and culture, despite facing constant threats and harassment from the Israeli government.
Barghouti’s commitment to the freedom to publish has not gone unnoticed. He has been arrested multiple times and has faced travel bans and other forms of intimidation. Despite these challenges, he has continued to publish books that shed light on the Palestinian struggle and has stood firm in his belief that literature has the power to bring about change. His bravery in the face of adversity is an inspiration to publishers around the world and a reminder of the importance of standing up for what we believe in.
The second recipient of the Prix Voltaire, Oleg Sentsov, was a Ukrainian filmmaker and writer who was arrested in 2014 by Russian authorities on trumped-up charges of terrorism. Sentsov’s only crime was speaking out against the Russian annexation of Crimea and advocating for the rights of the Crimean Tatar minority. Despite facing a 20-year prison sentence, Sentsov refused to be silenced and continued to write and speak out against the injustices he witnessed.
Sentsov’s case gained international attention, with many prominent writers and publishers calling for his release. However, it was his own bravery and determination that ultimately led to his freedom. In 2019, after serving five years in a Russian prison, Sentsov was released as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. His courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship serve as a reminder of the power of the written word and the importance of standing up for what is right.
The Prix Voltaire Award not only recognizes the bravery of individuals like Omar Barghouti and Oleg Sentsov but also serves as a reminder of the challenges that publishers face in their pursuit of freedom of expression. In many parts of the world, publishers are still subjected to censorship, harassment, and even imprisonment for publishing works that challenge the status quo. The IPA’s commitment to honoring these individuals and shining a light on their struggles is crucial in the fight for a world where the freedom to publish is respected and protected.
The award ceremony for the Prix Voltaire was held virtually this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the message of bravery and resilience was loud and clear. In his acceptance speech, Omar Barghouti stated, “The freedom to publish is not a privilege; it is a right that we must all fight for.” These words ring true, especially in a time when the world is facing numerous challenges to freedom of expression.
The IPA’s recognition of these brave individuals is a reminder that the fight for freedom of expression is far from over. It is a call to action for publishers and writers to continue to push boundaries and challenge oppressive systems. It is also a reminder that the power of the written word can bring about change and inspire others to stand up for what they believe in.
In conclusion, the Prix Voltaire Award serves as a beacon of hope for publishers and writers around the world. It honors the bravery and resilience of individuals who have faced immense challenges in their pursuit of freedom of expression. The stories of Omar Barghouti and
