Cartoonists Rights Network International
10600 Alison Drive , Burke, VA 22015 USA
Tel / Fax:
703 250 0035 email: mayte6@aol.com
Press Release
Burke, Virginia, USA
April 20, 2004
Mayte6@aol.com
Cartoonist from Zimbabwe receives
global award for “Courage in Editorial Cartooning”
It is announced by the Cartoonists Rights Network International of Burke,
Virginia that they have given their annual award for “Courage in Editorial
Cartooning” to a Zimbabwean cartoonist, Mr. Tony Namate.
During 2003 and well into 2004, Mr. Namate has been under constant threat of
physical harm and arrest by the repressive regime of Robert Mugabe in Harare,
Zimbabwe. After publicaly refusing to comply with what he felt was an illegal
new law requiring all journalists to register with Government, Namate was
subjected to televised threats by various Ministry officials, calling him
disloyal and working to undermine the government. These accusations have become
code words that signal imminent arrest. Journalists in Zimbabwe have been
beaten, arrested and otherwise abused during recent political upheavals.
Namate had gone on public record that to register with government was tantamount
to the Nazi’s in Germany during World War II requiring Jews to wear Star of
David arm bands. The offices of his paper, The Daily News had been bombed and
many of its investigative and editorial reporters had been arrested recently.
Mr. Tony Namate has received this award, given each year to the editorial or
social cartoonist who demonstrates exceptional courage in the face of
overwhelming power that seeks to keep them silent. Namate has consistently
refused to be intimidated and continues to draw powerful and cutting edge
cartoons about the Mugabe regime, and life for the common man under its harsh
policies.
CRN is the world’s only human rights and freedom of expression organization
dedicated exclusively to the protection and monitoring of editorial and social
cartoonists who find themselves in trouble because of the power and influence of
their cartoons.
CRN has Affiliate organizations and Country Representatives all over the world.
From their Regional Office in Romania, CRN sponsors an annual cartoon
competition called “Freedom in Journalism” now in its third year.
Tony Namate will be attending the annual convention of the Association of
American Editorial Cartoonists in Lexington, Kentucky from April 22 to the 25,
2004. He will be receiving his award at a special dinner given to honor him. CRN
President, Mr. Kevin Kallaugher, cartoonist for the Baltimore Sun and the
Economist Magazine will make the award.
For further information contact:
Robert Russell
Executive Director
CRN International
703 250 0035
Web copies of Namate’s cartoons are available by contacting CRN.