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Statutes of the Jiří Theiner Prize

  • 1. Purpose and Scope:

a. The Jiří Theiner Prize for Freedom of Speech aims to recognize individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion and defense of freedom of speech.

b. The Jiří Theiner Award is named after the long-time editor-in-chief of Index on Censorship magazine, which has been published in Great Britain since 1972 and focuses on the issue of freedom of speech.

c. The prize is awarded annually as part of the international book fair and literary festival Svět knihy Praha.

d. The prize is associated with a financial bonus of 1.000 US dollars.

  • 2. Eligibility:

a. The prize is open to individuals and organizations worldwide.

b. Candidates may be nominated by the public and members of the committee.

  • 3. Committee Composition:

a. The committee is chaired by the representant of Svět knihy, s.r.o. who participates organizationally in the preparation of meetings and has the same voting rights as others.

b. Pavel Theiner, son of Jiří (George) Theiner, is a permanent, honorary member of the commission.

c. The committee consists of three members appointed for a term of two years.

d. Committee members should have a demonstrated commitment to the principles of freedom of speech.

e. No committee member may have a personal or financial interest in any nominated candidate.

  • 4. Nominations:

a. Nominations can be submitted through an official online platform until the 30th of November. 

b. Nominations should include a detailed description of the nominee's contributions to the cause of freedom of speech.

c. The committee may also consider individuals or organizations that have faced significant challenges or threats to their freedom of speech.

  • 5. Selection Process:

a. The committee will thoroughly review all nominations and supporting materials.

b. Committee members will independently evaluate the candidates and present their findings to the other members.

c. The laureate will be selected through a unanimous decision by the committee.

  • 6. Criteria for Selection:

a. The nominee's impact on the promotion and defense of freedom of speech.

b. The nominee's commitment to the principles of free expression.

c. The nominee's courage and resilience in the face of challenges to freedom of speech.

  • 7. Prize Award:

a. The laureate will be publicly announced and awarded the monetary prize.

b. The prize ceremony will be held annually during the opening ceremony of the international book fair and literary festival Svet knihy Praha.

c. A dedicated program with the laureate will be held during the international book fair and literary festival Svet knihy Praha and may include a public lecture or discussion on freedom of speech.

  • 8. Amendments to Rules:

a. These rules may be amended only by Svět knihy, s.r.o.

  • 9. Public Engagement:

a. The committee will actively engage with the public, promoting awareness and understanding of freedom of speech issues.

b. The international book fair and literary festival Svět knihy Praha will provide media coverage and promotion of the Prize, the laureate and the freedom of speech.

  • 10. Others

a. The administrative background of the Award is carried out by the company Svět knihy, s.r.o., which announces nominations, convenes the committee, promotes the award and ensures its ceremonial awarding, including the costs of the awardee's arrival in the Czech Republic, etc.

These rules aim to ensure the fair, transparent, and principled selection of the Jiri Theiner Prize for Freedom of Speech laureate, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of freedom of speech.