Freedom of expression remains a relative freedom. Here and elsewhere, men of letters, journalists and intellectuals continue to be targeted for the sole reason that they think and speak differently, and express what others wish to hide.

The reason for this is the power of the written and spoken word, the use of which must be renewed each and every day in order to guarantee freedom of expression.

At a time when all too much is expressed through violence, the Samir Kassir Award is of increasing relevance.

As part of its ongoing commitment to promote human rights and freedom of expression throughout the Mediterranean and Arabic-speaking worlds, the European Commission has decided to expand the number of countries whose citizens are eligible for the award. This 2008 prize will therefore be open to 17 countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.