Geneva, Switzerland, May 3, 2018

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Swiss Foundation Cartooning for Peace [Now: Freedom Cartoonists Foundation] inaugurates its biennial exhibition in Geneva on 3 May 2018 and awards the fourth edition of its international Award to famous Turkish cartoonist Musa Kart.

The Jury chose Musa Kart, emblematic cartoonist of the Istanbul daily Cumhuriyet for his talent and courage in defending freedom of expression. Musa Kart spent several months in prison after the July 2016 coup attempt against President Erdoğan. He was charged with “association with a terrorist organization” and sentenced to a prison term.

“In 2012, by creating this Award with the City of Geneva, we wanted to salute the talent and courage of cartoonists. What we did not imagine, then, was that the air of freedom would become so rare near us, and so quickly. In 2018, 70 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 85 years after the birth of the Republic of Turkey, this prize for freedom of expression goes to a citizen of Istanbul, a free spirit and an outstanding artist,” says Swiss cartoonist Chappatte, Vice President of the Foundation.

“Musa Kart is a witness but above all a victim of the deterioration of freedom of expression in Turkey and faces a long prison sentence for his drawings critical of the government. Turkey is no exception and the list is long of countries where press professionals risk their lives and their freedom to witness the reality that surrounds them and inform the world,” adds Plantu, French cartoonist of the daily Le Monde, founder of Cartooning for Peace. .

Musa Kart, who cannot travel to Geneva, expresses himself in a video. The conference continues with a rich discussion between Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth and Mana Neyestani, an Iranian cartoonist in exile and laureate of the 2012 Prize.

The Laureate