The Fritt Ord Tribute acknowledges remarkable efforts to promote free speech, often in connection with current affairs. The award may be presented several times a year. It consists of 100,000 Norwegian kroner and an engraved vase.
Lisanne Dijkstra (30) is awarded the Freedom of Expression Foundation Tribute for having revealed a mayor’s abuse, and for demonstrating great courage of expression in the face of powerful actors and forces in society.
“She reminds us of the importance of such civil courage for us as a society and as individuals”, remarks Bård Vegar Solhjell, chair of the Fritt Ord Foundation Board.
Despite considerable resistance and harassment, Gaulin has maintained a strong voice in the social debate, as a consistent defender of the principle of free exchanges of opinions.
“In a widely diverse society, tolerance is decisive, but open discussions are equally important, not least when the debate revolves around controversial religious and cultural questions”, Brochmann adds.
“Especially when freedom of expression is subject to growing pressure, we need brave voices like Sarah Gaulin. She combines objectivity with clarity and strong commitment”, remarks Grete Brochmann, chair of the Fritt Ord Foundation Board.
Teachers at the Oslo Cathedral School have been awarded the Freedom of Expression Foundation Tribute for organising an enlightened debate on the place of unpleasant utterances in the classroom.