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Harcelé depuis des années par le pouvoir malaisien, Zunar vient de recevoir le prix Cartooning for Peace 2016. Bravo Zunar !
(Sur la photo, Zunar commente son dessin entouré de Plantu à gauche et Kofi Annan à droite) Explications données par le dessinateur lui-même :
I am honored to be one of the winner of "2016 Cartooning for Peace Prize". The ceremoney was held at the Palais Eynard in Geneva in the presence of the Honorary President of the Swiss Foundation Cartooning for Peace, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan and Municipal Councillor for the City of Geneva Mr Guillaume Barazzone.
The other winner is Kenyan cartoonist, Gado. Work of both cartoonists are exhibited at the Lac Leman in Geneva.
KOFI ANNAN's STATEMENT
Gado and Zunar remind us how fragile this liberty remains in Africa and in Asia as well as in other
regions of the world. Through their commitment towards open and transparent societies, Gado and Zunar, who have received threats in their countries of origin and can no longer practice their
profession, confront us with our responsibility to preserve freedom of expression and act in order to support the combat of those who cannot express themselves through their art.
JURY's STATEMENT
Cartoonist Patrick Chappatte, Vice-President of the Swiss Foundation Cartooning for Peace
and jury member added: “For having had the courage to draw the king naked, Gado and Zunar are faced with a power machine that seeks to silence them. What this Prize seeks to do is just the
opposite: to amplify their voices, which are those of democracy and justice.
ZUNAR's STATEMENT
"2016 International Editorial Cartoons Prize" gives new strength for me to continue the fight against the 60-year old corrupt and repressive Malaysian regime. Human rights and freedom of expression in Malaysia are in dire straits. Sedition Act and other draconian laws are used widely to silence critics. All institutions are being used as political tools by the regime in order to maintain power.
Talent is not a gift, but a responsibility. It is a duty for me as a cartoonist to use the art as a weapon to fight unjust rulers. Fear and intimidation are the potent tools being used by the regime to scare the people. I believe, strokes of art can lead the people to cross the line of fear.
I also strongly believe that, when facing with moral crisis, there is no room to grumble in silence. We have to stand up and cry our voice out loud and clear. Neutrality is escapism for those who live in comfort zone. How Can I be Neutral, Even My Pen Has a Stand!
Finally, I would like to remind the regime that repression begets rebellion: you can ban my cartoons, you can ban my books, but you cannot ban my mind. I will continue to fight through cartoons. I will keep fighting until the last drop of my ink.
Zunar, Political cartoonist, 3rd May 2016, Geneva
THE BACKGROUND
Zunar (Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque) is a political cartoonist from Malaysia. Through
his cartoons, he expose corruption and abuse of power committed by the government of Malaysia. His slogan is "How Can I be Neutral, Even My Pen Has a Stand".
He is now facing nine charges under Sedition Act and facing possible 43 years jail if found guilty.
He was detained and locked behind bars twice first time was on September 2010 for two days and recently on 10th of February 2015 for three days. Five of his cartoon books have been banned and his office in Kuala Lumpur has been raided a few times and thousands of his cartoon books were confiscated.
The printers and bookstores around the country which carry his cartoon works, have been raided and they have also been warned not to print or carry any of his titles.
October 2014, three of his assistants were arrested for selling my latest cartoon books. The webmaster, who manages his website and online bookstore, was called in by the police for interrogating.
Previous Awards:
1) “Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award 2011” by Cartoonists Right
Network International
2) Human Rights Watch Hellman/Hammett Award for 2011 & 2015
3) International Press Fredom Award, Commitee to Protect Journalist, New York 2015