Short documentary on Kart Muse produced by Cartooning for Peace.
In the video, the author explains, among other things, his sentimental relationship with cartooning and thanks readers and "the cartoonist family of the world" for the support he received during the time he spent in prison and continues to receive during the long judicial process he is facing.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Swiss foundation "Cartooning for Peace" and the City of Geneva awarded Musa Kart.
Awarded for the courage and determination of cartoonists in defending freedom of expression, the "International Press Cartoon Prize" pays tribute to press cartoonists who are endangered by their work. In addition, Kart's cartoons will be displayed alongside cartoons by cartoonists from around the world in support of him.
Sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in prison
The 64-year-old Turkish cartoonist, who has been drawing for Cumhuriyet, the main opposition daily, for a quarter of a century, was arrested along with his colleagues after the failed coup in Turkey in July 2016. He was charged with "association with a terrorist organisation", and after nine months in custody and nine months of trial, a court in Silivri sentenced him to 3 years and 9 months in prison.
He is now free pending the outcome of the appeal process.
On more than one occasion I have read criticisms of such awards and I partly understand them, even if I do not entirely share them. While it only takes a tyrant willing to repress an author to win an award, these awards are symbolic, a statement of intent and a justification for refreshing these types of cases in which freedom of expression and press freedom are curtailed and to keep international attention alive.
Related, more than 100 cases around the world:
