Bravery comes in many forms, and it is not always recognized or celebrated. However, since 2006, the International Publishers Association (IPA) has been honoring publishers who have shown immense courage and determination in upholding the principles of freedom of expression and justice. This year, the IPA has awarded its prestigious Prix Voltaire to two individuals who have demonstrated unwavering bravery in the face of adversity – Gazan publisher, Samir Mansour, and late Ukrainian writer, Serhiy Zhadan.
The Prix Voltaire is an annual award that recognizes individuals or organizations that have faced persecution, censorship, or imprisonment for their commitment to freedom of expression. It is named after the famous French philosopher and writer, Voltaire, who famously said, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” This award serves as a reminder of the importance of free speech and the courage it takes to stand up for it.
Samir Mansour, the founder and director of the Palestinian publishing house, Dar al-Aqsa, has been awarded the Prix Voltaire for his unwavering commitment to publishing books that challenge the status quo in the Gaza Strip. Despite facing numerous challenges, including censorship, threats, and even physical attacks, Mansour has continued to publish books that promote critical thinking and freedom of expression. His publishing house has become a symbol of resistance and hope in a region where freedom of speech is often suppressed.
Mansour’s journey as a publisher began in 1996 when he founded Dar al-Aqsa with the aim of promoting Palestinian literature and culture. However, his publishing house soon became a target of the Hamas government, which saw his books as a threat to their ideology. In 2010, Mansour was arrested and imprisoned for three months for publishing a book that was critical of the Hamas government. Despite this, he continued to publish books that challenged the government’s narrative and gave a voice to marginalized voices in Gaza.
Receiving the Prix Voltaire, Mansour said, “This award is not just for me, but for all the publishers and writers who have faced persecution for their commitment to freedom of expression. It is a reminder that our voices cannot be silenced, and we will continue to fight for our right to speak and be heard.”
The second recipient of this year’s Prix Voltaire is the late Ukrainian writer, Serhiy Zhadan. Zhadan was a prominent poet, novelist, and activist who used his writing to speak out against corruption and injustice in Ukraine. He was a vocal critic of the government and was often targeted for his activism. In 2014, during the Euromaidan protests, Zhadan was brutally beaten by pro-government thugs, leaving him with serious injuries. Despite this, he continued to write and speak out against the government’s actions.
Tragically, Zhadan passed away earlier this year at the age of 47. However, his legacy as a brave and fearless writer lives on. Receiving the Prix Voltaire on his behalf, his friend and fellow writer, Andriy Lyubka, said, “Serhiy’s voice may have been silenced, but his words will continue to inspire generations to come. This award is a testament to his courage and unwavering commitment to freedom of expression.”
The IPA’s decision to award the Prix Voltaire to Mansour and Zhadan sends a powerful message to the world – that the fight for freedom of expression is far from over. In a time when censorship and repression are on the rise, it is more important than ever to honor and support those who risk their lives to defend this fundamental human right.
The IPA’s president, Bodour Al Qasimi, said, “The courage and determination shown by Samir Mansour and Serhiy Zhadan in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. They are a shining example of the power of words and the importance of standing up for what we believe in. We hope that their stories will inspire others to continue the fight for freedom of expression.”
In a world where the voices of publishers and writers are often silenced, the Prix Voltaire serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that bravery comes in many forms. It is a call to action for all of us to stand up for the right to speak and be heard, and to never give up in the face of adversity. As Voltaire himself
