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Arundhati Roy Wins Supports Palestine
Arundhati Roy Wins PEN Pinter Prize, Supports Palestine
Indian-British author and activist Arundhati Roy has been honored with the PEN Pinter Prize 2024, recognizing her literary contributions and dedication to social justice. The prestigious award ceremony took place at the British Library in London on October 10, where Roy delivered a powerful acceptance speech. During her address, she announced that she would donate her prize money to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, aligning her literary success with her commitment to humanitarian causes.
Roy Pledges Support for Palestinians
In her acceptance speech, Arundhati Roy highlighted the struggles faced by Palestinians, emphasizing the need for global awareness and support. By donating her portion of the PEN Pinter Prize money to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, she aimed to provide assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict. Roy’s gesture has been praised by her supporters, as it reflects her enduring commitment to using her platform for meaningful change.
Beyond her support for the Palestinian cause, Roy also expressed solidarity with political prisoners in her home country, India. Her speech underlined the importance of defending the freedom of expression, a theme that resonates deeply with the values of the PEN Pinter Prize.
Understanding the PEN Pinter Prize
The PEN Pinter Prize was established in 2009 by English PEN, a human rights charity, in memory of Nobel Laureate playwright Harold Pinter. The award is given annually to a writer from the UK, Republic of Ireland, or Commonwealth who demonstrates literary excellence and the courage to speak truth to power. The prize reflects Pinter’s legacy of championing human rights and freedom of expression through literature.
An essential aspect of the PEN Pinter Prize is the tradition of sharing it with a “Writer of Courage,” someone who has faced persecution for their beliefs. This year, Arundhati Roy chose Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a British-Egyptian writer and activist, as the 2024 Writer of Courage, recognizing his resilience in the face of oppression.
Roy Shares Award with Alaa Abd el-Fattah
In her speech, Arundhati Roy named Alaa Abd el-Fattah as her choice for the Writer of Courage 2024, lauding his unwavering spirit. Abd el-Fattah, a 42-year-old activist, has been imprisoned in Egypt for over five years due to his advocacy for freedom of speech and human rights. Roy’s decision to share the award with him shines a light on his plight and the broader issues of freedom of expression in Egypt.
Roy explained her choice, stating, “Why did I choose the jailed writer and blogger Alaa Abd el-Fattah as the Writer of Courage to share the PEN Pinter Prize with? For the same reason that Egyptian authorities have chosen to keep him in prison for two more years instead of releasing him last month. Because his voice is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Because his understanding of what we are facing today is as sharp as a dagger’s edge.”
Acceptance Speech Highlights Abd el-Fattah’s Bravery
The award ceremony featured a message from Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of the Egyptian news website Mada Masr, who accepted the award on behalf of Alaa Abd el-Fattah. She emphasized Abd el-Fattah’s dedication to truth, saying, “In his writing, his newspaper articles, social media posts, and prison letters, Alaa was finding the truth in and through language; and he has always been doing it not as a self-serving act of contemplation, but as an invitation to learn, think along, and move on with it.”
Recognition from Fellow Authors
The ceremony also featured remarks from Naomi Klein, an author and columnist for the Guardian US, who commended both Roy and Abd el-Fattah. Klein described Alaa Abd el-Fattah as embodying “the relentless courage and intellectual depth that Arundhati Roy herself so powerfully represents,” adding that Roy’s selection of him as the Writer of Courage was profoundly fitting.
Roy’s acknowledgment of Abd el-Fattah through the PEN Pinter Prize has drawn attention to his ongoing struggle, with many hoping that it will bring international support for his release and the cause of free speech in Egypt.
Roy’s Continued Advocacy Through Literature
As an author, Arundhati Roy has consistently used her voice to highlight pressing global issues, from social inequality to environmental degradation. Her work, including her acclaimed novels and essays, has been celebrated for its thought-provoking content and fearless critique of injustice. Winning the PEN Pinter Prize is a testament to her influence not only as a writer but also as an advocate for human rights.
By donating her PEN Pinter Prize money to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, Roy underscores her belief that literature and activism go hand in hand. Her gesture has not only raised awareness for the Palestinian cause but also demonstrated the power of writers to make a tangible impact in the world.
Looking Ahead: Roy’s Legacy of Courage
Arundhati Roy’s actions and words during the PEN Pinter Prize ceremony have left a significant mark on the literary and activist communities. Her decision to share the award with Alaa Abd el-Fattah serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for those whose voices are silenced. As Roy continues her journey, her commitment to truth and justice remains unwavering, inspiring many to do the same.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It discusses the achievements of Arundhati Roy and her choice to support global causes through the PEN Pinter Prize. The opinions and views expressed are those of the individuals mentioned.
