On December 10, during the Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) Prize ceremony in Paris, Robert Menard, General Secretary of RSF, read a message given by journalist and writer San San Nweh from Rangoon. In 1999, she was awarded the RSF prize.
"As this year's Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Prize is presented, we should all try to imagine what this year's winner will feel on learning the news. When I heard in prison in 1999 that I had won that years's prize, I was at last able to lift up my head to look at the heavens that had forgotten us for so long.
"Our sufferings were eased by the prize, which for us was a glimpse of blue sky that suddenly brought us back to life. Our thoughts became clearer and we felt much bolder. Under this special protective sky here today, I must thank all the journalists as well as RSF staff who campaign around the world. I also thank all people everywhere who can take such action in the cause of freeedom.
"I can imagine how honored those who receive this prize feel and I want to encourage them to live and work without hindrance under this unique sky. The energy I got from the prize in 1991 gave us all courage. I am very happy and honored to be able to thank Reporters Without Borders in the name of all the previous winners for this indispensable help."
Information is provided by RSF press release.