Kostas Vaxevanis has been nominated for a Journalism Award, by the freedom of expression organization Index on Censorship. The Greek investigative journalist was arrested in October 2012 for publishing a list of more than 2,000 suspected tax evaders.
He was found not guilty of breaking data privacy laws in November 2012, but the Athens public prosecutor subsequently ordered a retrial. If he is sentenced, he faces up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine.
The Index Freedom of Expression Awards recognize journalists, bloggers, digital activists, campaigners and artists around the world who, directly or indirectly, are fighting against censorship. These are the people on the front-line who often experience violence, threats and imprisonment for exercising their right to free speech. By celebrating their achievements, Index hopes to raise awareness of the threats to free speech seen around the world today – from direct censorship, cover-ups and excessive use of legislation to digital censorship, religious and cultural pressures and a lack of access to information.
CEO Kirsty Hughes said:
‘All of this year’s nominees have shown great courage in speaking out, and fighting censorship and injustice often in very challenging conditions. Many of them come from established or emerging democracies, reflecting the disturbing fact that censorship is not just the preserve of authoritarian states, and that freedom of expression is an issue that affects us all, wherever we live.’
The 2013 awards are the 13th Freedom of Expression Awards. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday 21 March at the Inner Temple, London.
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