14 February 2007

HELLMAN/HAMMETT GRANTS SUPPORT PERSECUTED WRITERS


In recognition of their courage in the face of oppression, Human Rights Watch has awarded grants to 45 writers from 22 countries who have been politically persecuted for expressing their views. The Hellman/Hammett grants, administered by Human Rights Watch, are given each year to support writers worldwide who are in financial need as a result of their persecution.

More than half of this year's recipients come from China (9), Vietnam (8) and Iran (7) - indicating the dire free expression conditions in those countries. Some of this year's recipients have asked to remain anonymous because of possible continuing danger to them and their families.

Since it began in 1989, the Hellman/Hammett programme has awarded a total of US$2.5 million in grants to more than 500 writers around the world.

Under certain circumstances the programe provides small emergency grants to writers who have an urgent need to leave their country or who need immediate medical treatment after serving prison terms or enduring torture.

Profiles of this year's grant winners can be found here: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/06/global15273.htm



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Also from the Communiqué, 14 February 2007

IRAN: HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS, JOURNALISTS BARRED FROM INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL 14 February 2007 ERITREA: PROMINENT JOURNALIST REPORTEDLY DEAD 14 February 2007 MALAYSIA: CITIZENS DENIED ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION 14 February 2007 BRAZIL: PHOTOGRAPHER GUNNED DOWN 14 February 2007 TURKEY: IFEX MEMBERS DEMAND REPEAL OF CRIMINAL DEFAMATION LAW 14 February 2007 INTERNATIONAL: WAN TO HOLD CONGRESS IN SOUTH AFRICA 14 February 2007 INTERNATIONAL: ROGER BALDWIN AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS 14 February 2007 INTERNATIONAL: Council of Europe to Set Up Watchdog on Free Expression 14 February 2007
 
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