On April 11, 2024, Columbia Global Freedom of Expression (CGFoE) revealed the winners of the 2024 Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prizes in the categories of Significant Legal Ruling and Excellence in Legal Services, recognizing remarkable contributions to the advancement of freedom of expression worldwide.
In the category of Significant Legal Ruling, the Prize is awarded to the High Court of South Africa (Johannesburg) for the Mazetti Management Services (Pty) Ltd and Another v AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism NPC and Others ruling (3 July 2023). The CGFoE Prize for Excellence in Legal Services is awarded to the Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University and the Association of Maya Lawyers and Notaries in Guatemala for their exceptional advocacy in the case of Maya Kaqchikel Indigenous Peoples of Sumpango et al. v. Guatemala.
In a groundbreaking decision, the High Court of South Africa (Johannesburg), in the case of Mazetti Management Services (Pty) Ltd and Another v AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism NPC and Others, held that investigative journalists who receive information from anonymous sources cannot be labeled as accomplices to criminal activities. This pivotal ruling underscores the vital role of investigative journalism in combating corruption and highlights the importance of protecting sources. The decision sets a valuable precedent in the fight against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and emphasizes the positive social impact of investigative journalism.
Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University and the Association of Maya Lawyers and Notaries in Guatemala have been honored for their exceptional legal service in Maya Kaqchikel Indigenous Peoples of Sumpango et al. v. Guatemala. Their tireless advocacy before the Inter-American Court on Human Rights led to a landmark decision that challenged discriminatory regulations on radio frequency allocation in Guatemala. By highlighting the distinct harms experienced by indigenous communities and advocating for their rights to freedom of expression and culture, these legal services significantly contributed to promoting international norms of freedom of expression. Their ongoing efforts to implement the reparations outlined in the Court's judgment demonstrate their unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.
In particular, the Prize recognizes the work of the following experts: Nicole Friederichs, Lead Counsel and Director of the Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University, Law School, and Cultural Survival Board Member; Amy Van-Zyl Chavarro, Of-Counsel of the Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University, Law School; Cristian Otzin (Maya Kakchiquel), Legal advisor at the Association of Maya Lawyers and Notaries in Guatemala and Cultural Survival Legal Fellow; and Adriana Sunun Pablo (Maya Kakchiquel), Legal advisor at the Association of Maya Lawyers and Notaries in Guatemala, and Cultural Survival Legal Fellow.
These outstanding winners exemplify the dedication and resilience necessary to protect, strengthen and advance freedom of expression globally. We commend their exceptional achievements and celebrate their firm commitment to justice, human rights, and freedom of expression.
The Prizes will be awarded at Columbia University in New York City on April 25, 2024 at 4pm.
Watch the Prize Ceremony here.
Watch Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University and the Association of Maya Lawyers and Notaries in Guatemala accept their prize:
Adriana Sunun (Maya Kakchiquel) of the Association of Maya Lawyers and Notaries in Guatemala acceptance speech:
CGFoE analysis of decisions:
Maya Kaqchikel Indigenous Peoples of Sumpango et al. v. Guatemala
About the Prizes:
Significant Legal Ruling: the prize shall recognize a judgment or decision rendered anywhere in the world that has advanced or strengthened a global understanding and international standards of freedom of expression and information. While decisions from any year may be nominated, priority will be given to recent decisions, most notably those rendered in 2022 and 2023.
Excellence in Legal Services: the prize shall recognize a legal brief, legal amicus brief or legal defense presented anywhere in the world that has advanced or strengthened a global understanding and international norms of freedom of expression and information. While legal services from any year may be nominated, priority will be given to recent legal services, most notably those rendered in 2022 and 2023.
The Global Freedom of Expression Prizes were established by Columbia University in 2015 to recognize legal decisions and legal services worldwide that strengthen freedom of expression by promoting international legal norms for the protection of human rights. The first of their kind, these prizes are unique for recognizing the remarkable achievements of those who protect and strengthen freedom of expression worldwide but also serve to inspire and promote the essential work they undertake.
For more information, contact Marija Sajkas at ms5094@columbia.edu
Top photo (L-R): Amy Van-Zyl Chavarro, Of-Counsel of the Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University, Law School; Adriana Sunun Pablo (Maya Kakchiquel), Legal advisor at the Association of Maya Lawyers and Notaries in Guatemala, and Cultural Survival Legal Fellow; Nicole Friederichs, Lead Counsel and Director of the Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University, Law School, and Cultural Survival Board Member.
