Reporters Without Borders, Le Monde and TV5 Monde Press Freedom Prize (December 8, 2011)

France warmly congratulates the two winners of the Press Freedom Prize awarded by Reporters Without Borders, Le Monde and TV5 Monde to the Syrian cartoonist Ali Ferzat and the Burmese weekly newspaper, Weekly Eleven News.

This prize honors the professionalism, the courageous action and determination they demonstrate in defending human rights and democratic values.

Ali Ferzat, himself the victim of the brutality of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, symbolizes the courage of the Syrian people, who are fighting every day to defend their freedom and fundamental rights.

Over the last few years, the weekly newspaper, Weekly Eleven News, has, in a situation of censorship, overcome the difficulties and has done an outstanding job in informing the Burmese people and the world. While positive changes are currently taking place in Burma, its forthrightness and professionalism, which have inspired the creation of other publications, are more necessary than ever.

The awarding of this prize provides an opportunity for the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to commend the tireless and courageous efforts of journalists throughout the world in support of the freedom of expression and information. France, whose attachment to the freedom of the press is constant, will remain committed and mobilized in support of the many journalists who are still being persecuted and arbitrarily detained.