N. A. U. awards Freedom of Expression Prize 2007 to Tsering Woeser

Norwegian Tibet Committee, December 17, 2007

Press Release

Oslo, December 17 - Norwegian authors union's freedom of expression prize for 2007 was given to Woeser living in China. Woeser was selected among many candidates. "We are very proud that Tibetan writer Woeser la has got this prestigious award says Chungdak Koren chairwomen of Norwegian Tibet Committee"

The official statement from the Norwegian Authors Union says "The Norwegian Authors Union is convinced that in this year's(2007) prize winner, we have found a worthy recipient who bravely has chosen to publish her books even though they have a content considered controversial by the Chinese authorities.

At the sometime she devotes her time to the struggle for the freedom of expression through her articles and various blogs, also writing about the Chinese suppression and colonialisation of Tibet. Norwegian Authors Union appreciates that Tsering Woeser represents a new generation of bloggers in China, challenging a state monopoly on the access to information through using the internet. It is very clear to us that by giving this prize to Tsering Woeser we have found a female author that are in the middle of one of the most important struggle for freedom of expression in our time"

The prize will consist of NOK 100 000 and a certificate of merit. The award ceremony will take place in Oslo during Annual Meeting of Authors Union on 8 March 2008.


For more information:
Norwegain Authors Union
President Mrs Anne Oterholm tel +47 23357620

The Tibetan woman writer Mrs. Tsering Woeser

Tibetan writer Woeser, whose books have been banned in China and Tibet and whose blogs have been closed by the Chinese Government, is using the medium of radio to convey her thoughts.

According to an announcement on Radio Free Asia's website., starting from January 6, 2007, its Tibetan service will carry a new program called "Woeser's Forum" at 7:00 am and 9:00 am (Tibet time) every Saturday. The program will include Tibetan translation of exclusive writings (in Chinese) by Woeser for RFA on Tibetan religion, culture, economy, politics, etc.

Woeser is a popular Tibetan writer. Her writings include a book of poems, Tibet Notes, and two books on the Cultural Revolution. Some English translation of her writings can be seen on www.tibetwrites.org.

Following the closure of her blogs in July 2006, Woeser had said she would continue speaking out to raise awareness about Tibet in China. In an interview given to RFA in August 2006, Woeser said, "Though my blogs are shut down, they cannot stop my speech and my writing."

"I will be writing and speaking. Since I am writing in Chinese, I want to make more people know reality of Tibetan culture, history, and traditions. I especially want the Chinese people to learn the truth about Tibetan history, culture, religion, and traditions," Woeser added.

"I am a writer. One of the main ethics of a good writer is to present the truth. A good writer cannot be a liar. To tell the truth is the core of a good writing; it is the most important quality of a writer," Woeser said.

The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said on July 31, 2006, "We are appalled by the closure of Woeser's blogs and we call for them to be reopened."

"We again appeal to the Chinese authorities to respect freedom of expression, a right guaranteed under their constitution," it added.