We previously announced that Kareem was nominated for one of the Freedom of Expression Awards by Index on Censorship. We were informed of this by an e-mail message from them.

Well, it’s now official: Kareem Amer has been shortlisted for the prestigious Index on Censorship/Hugo Young Award for Journalism 2007: Index Freedom of Expression Awards shortlist announced.

Index on Censorship/Hugo Young Award for Journalism 2007

This award, given in memory of Guardian columnist Hugo Young, goes to a journalist who has shown an outstanding commitment to journalistic integrity in defence of freedom of expression.
• Jayyab Abu Safia (Gaza): Jayyab has received death threats from Islamic fundamentalists for his refusal to stop airing Western music and discussing controversial subjects on his phone-in programme on Gaza FM, the only apolitical station in the region.
• Kareem Amer (Egypt): Kareem Amer is the pseudonym of 22-year old blogger Abdul Kareem Suleiman Amer, who was recently sentenced to four years imprisonment for criticising Islam and President Mubarak.
• Trevor Ncube (Zimbabwe): Ncube’s tireless work in continuing to run the only independent newspapers in Zimbabwe while under constant attack from the government has been described as ‘incredibly inspiring’. Despite a number of personal attacks, the government has been unable to shut down Trevor’s newspapers or otherwise silence him.
• Carlos Lozano (Colombia): Carlos Lozano is the editor of the only opposition newspaper in Colombia, one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. In May 2005 he received a death threat and had a car bomb placed in front of his offices. Carlos now lives under 24-hour armed guard.

These awards will be presented at LSO St Luke’s, London, on 14 March 2007.

Please visit the Index on Censorship Web site and read the profiles of other soldiers of free speech shortlisted for similar awards.

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