Lebanese publishing house named Prix Voltaire Laureate

Lebanese publishing house Dar Al Jadeed has been named the 2021 International Publishers Association (IPA) Prix Voltaire Laureate, for its "inspirational" bravery in upholding the freedom to publish and promoting freedom of expression.

The Beirut-based company was chosen from a shortlist of five nominees, who have all been recognised for their "exemplary courage" as presses that publish work despite pressure and intimidation from authority bodies. Dar Al Jadeed will receive 10,000 Swiss francs (£8,252). 

Dar Al Jadeed Publishing House was co-founded in by Lokman Slim and his sister, Rasha al Ameer, to publish cultural works free from ideological conflict or partisanship. In February 2021, Slim was murdered after a campaign of threats and intimidation over his efforts to bring greater freedom of expression and open dialogue to Lebanon. The organisation was praised by the IPA for its  "inspirational" bravery in upholding the freedom to publish and enabling others to exercise their right to freedom of expression.

Bodour Al Qasimi, president of the IPA, said: "Through the Prix Voltaire, the International Publishers Association stands with individuals and organisations which share our commitment and devotion to freedom to publish as a fundamental right. Publishers, and our colleagues throughout the publishing value chain, need to know that they have the collective support of the entire industry behind them when they face unjust persecution and censorship. This year’s Prix Voltaire Laureate paid the ultimate price standing up for freedom of expression as an enabler of tolerance and conflict resolution in Lebanon. His loss is a loss to the entire international publishing community."

Al Ameer will receive the Prix Voltaire in person at Guadalajara International Book Fair, on 30th November. The ceremony will also feature a keynote from Mexican journalist Jorge Ramos.

Kristenn Einarsson, chair of the IPA’s Freedom to Publish Committee, added: "Dar Al Jadeed has experienced first-hand the dangers that can come with a commitment to freedom of expression and the free communication of ideas. Their bravery is an inspiration."

Also on 30th November at the Guadalajara fair, the IPA will hold a Freedom to Publish seminar to assess the situation in Latin America and the wider world. The IPA has also announced a special award for Chinese author Li Liqun (pen name Li Huizi), an Independent Chinese PEN Center member who took his own life on 23rd July 2021.

Einarsson said: "The Freedom to Publish Committee only gives a Prix Voltaire Special Award for cases we feel are particularly noteworthy. Li Liqun’s efforts as a writer, political commentator and public intellectual were widely respected. The committee is proud to recognise his work for freedom of expression."