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Eritrean renowned and award-winning singer and songwriter Abrar Osman has received Pen Eritrea’s Freedom of Expression award at the closing ceremony of Pen Eritrea’s annual meeting held in Stockholm-Sweden from 1st to 2nd October 2022. Abrar was announced the winner of the award on 18 September to mark the assault on freedom of the press in Eritrea 21 years ago.
PEN Eritrea Freedom of Expression Award was established in 2019. It recognises an individual, a group or institution with a notable contribution to advancing literature and freedom of expression in the Eritrean context. The winner receives a certificate of recognition, a medal, and $1,000.00.
Abrar received his award from Daniel Semere Tesfai, author and a member of Pen Eritrea. At the award ceremony, Abrar thanked Pen Eritrea for selecting him for the award, and he added that witnessing organisations such as PEN Eritrea defending the freedom of expression warms his heart with hope and certainty.
During the two-day meeting, PEN members discussed multiple topics, conducted a literary event and elected a new executive director and treasurer of Pen Eritrea.
Former winners of the award are Ghirmai Negash (2021), Saleh Gadi Johar (2020), Yirgalem fisseha (2019)
