Cumhuriyet, a leading independent Turkish newspaper that is renowned for its investigative journalism, has been announced as a Laureate of the 2016 Right Livelihood Award.
Cumhuriyet receives the award ‘for their fearless investigative journalism and commitment to freedom of expression in the face of oppression, censorship, imprisonment and death threats’.
The announcement was made today in Stockholm by Ole von Uexkull, Executive Director, and Marianne Andersson, Board Member of the Right Livelihood Award Foundation. The decision was made by an international Jury that had considered 125 nominations from 50 countries.
Ole von Uexkull commented: “In the face of immense personal risks, Cumhuriyet is flying the flag of free speech in Turkey, during a critical time for the people of that nation. Presenting Cumhuriyet with the Right Livelihood Award applauds their dedication to investigative journalism and highlights their critical contribution to press freedom in their home country and around the world.”
Cumhuriyet is Turkey’s oldest national newspaper, staunchly committed to impartiality and public interest in its reporting. Cumhuriyet employees face imprisonment, threats and assassinations in their outspoken reporting on issues of human rights, gender equality, secularism and protection of the environment.
At a time when freedom of expression in Turkey is under ever-increasing threat, Cumhuriyet continues to draw national and international attention to key stories. Their importance in protecting the voice of democracy in this way cannot be overstated.
In response to the announcement, Orhan Enriç, President of the Cumhuriyet Foundation, said: “The Right Livelihood Award, given to those who strive to make the world a better place, bears a special significance for us. It is a fact that without our readers, we wouldn’t be receiving this award. Cumhuriyet has retained its title as the Turkish paper that cares the most for human rights, women’s rights, freedom of speech and expression, and secularity.
Our columnists have been assassinated, jailed, attacked, and their lives have been put in jeopardy in return for our efforts. We have been through coups, coup attempts, states of siege, martial law but we never let anyone limit our readers’ right to information.”
Established in 1980, the Right Livelihood Award honours and supports courageous people and organisations offering visionary and exemplary solutions to the root causes of global problems. It has become widely known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’ and there are now 166 Laureates from 68 countries.
In addition to presenting the annual award, the Right Livelihood Award Foundation also supports the work of its Laureates, particularly those whose lives may be in danger due to the nature of their activities.
Cumhuriyet receives a cash award of SEK 750,000 (ca. EUR 80,000). Cumhuriyet becomes the third Right Livelihood Award Laureate from Turkey, after Birsel Lemke (2000) and Hayrettin Karaca (2012).
