By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 5 August 2014:
In an attempt to encourage freedom . . .[restrict]of expression the Libyan legal group Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL) is sponsoring an arts and literature competition for Libyan writers, filmmakers, journalists, photographers and singers.
Citing the recent attacks on journalists in Libya, LFJL noted that freedom of expression was under threat. “As a result, self-censorship and selective news reporting of events have become widespread practices which undermine rights to freedom of expression and freedom of information,” LFJL declared.
The organisation hopes that the competition will encourage Libyans to focus on human rights and engage in debate about the issues affecting Libya. It is entitled Abber – Arabic for “across” or “via”
“Through Abber, LFJL seeks to emphasise the value that freedom of expression and other human rights offer to Libyan society.”
Elham Saudi, LFJL Director, said, “Peace and democracy are built on the respect of fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression. Ensuring the protection and promotion of this right should be a key priority for all Libyans and should be actively encouraged by the newly established House of Representatives.”
Judges, including media figures, human rights activists and others, will appraise each submission and prizes will be awarded in several categories. The competition is accepting submissions in Arabic, Tamazight, Tebu, Tamasheq and English.
More information is available at http://www.libyanjustice.org/sawti-project/the-human-rights-expression-competition.
[/restrict]
