The Bjørnson Academy has awarded the Bjørnson Prize 2009 to the Russian couple, philosopher Grigorij Pomerants and poet Ziaida Mirkina. The amount of the prize is NOK 100 000 plus a statuette and a diploma.

The board of the Academy states that the two are awarded the prize for their
extensive authorship of long standing, which contributes to strengthening the basis
and growing condition for freedom of expression and human worth in Russia.

The Prize will be presented at the Academy’s annual seminar this year will take place in Quality Hotell Alexandra, Molde on Friday 20 November from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m..

The title of the seminar will be “Is Freedom of Expression Possible in Russia?” Philosophers, authors and journalists from both Russia and Norway will participate.

Addresses will be given by the prize winners Grigorij Pomerants and Zinaida Mirkina.

(NRK/Press release)

Rolleiv Solholm