Turkey’s “Standing Man” protester wins German human rights awardAugust 27, 2013 - 16:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey’s “Standing Man”, a performance artist who became an icon of anti-government protests this year, will receive a major German human rights award next week, the jury said Monday, August 26, according to AFP. Erdem Gunduz, a 34-year-old dancer and choreographer, will be honoured for his “courageous commitment to freedom of expression and human rights” with the M100 Media Award, awarded annually by a jury of journalists. He became known around the world by remaining motionless for hours, staring, on Istanbul’s Taksim Square during protests that challenged Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in June and July. “With his silent protest, he became the icon of peaceful resistance and has been emulated around the world,” said the jury which will award the prize on September 5 at Potsdam, just outside Berlin. “His weapon is creativity, his trademarks are courage and perseverance. That is what you need to promote free speech and human rights,” said Potsdam mayor and M100 chair Jann Jakobs. Last year European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi won the award. Previous recipients were Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard, who drew controversial pictures of the Prophet Mohammed, and former French foreign minister and founder of Doctors without Borders Bernard Kouchner. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |