Press Release

Oslo, December 17 - Norwegian authors union's freedom of expression prize for 2007 was given to Woeser living in China. Woeser was selected among many candidates. "We are very proud that Tibetan writer Woeser la has got this prestigious award says Chungdak Koren chairwomen of Norwegian Tibet Committee"

The official statement from the Norwegian Authors Union says "The Norwegian Authors Union is convinced that in this year's(2007) prize winner, we have found a worthy recipient who bravely has chosen to publish her books even though they have a content considered controversial by the Chinese authorities. At the sometime she devotes her time to the struggle for the freedom of expression through her articles and various blogs, also writing about the Chinese suppression and colonialisation of Tibet. Norwegian Authors Union appreciates that Tsering Woeser represents a new generation of bloggers in China, challenging a state monopoly on the access to information through using the internet. It is very clear to us that by giving this prize to Tsering Woeser we have found a female author that are in the middle of one of the most important struggle for freedom of expression in our time."

The prize will consist of NOK 100 000 and a certificate of merit. The award ceremony will take place in Olso during Annual Meeting of Authors Union on 8 March 2008.


For more information:
Norwegain Authors Union
President Mrs Anne Oterholm tel +47 23357620
Website http://www.forfatterforeningen.no/