LONDON, March 13, 2013 \/PRNewswire\/ -- <\/p>\n
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Independent member of the Indian Parliament in the Upper House, is one of two Indians nominated for an award at the Index Freedom of Expression Awards which will take place in London on the 21st March. <\/p>\n
(Photo: http:\/\/photos.prnewswire.com\/prnh\/20130313\/601256<\/a> )<\/p>\n Mr Chandrasekhar has been recognized for his tireless efforts to promote the freedom of expression in India, opposing legislation that limits digital freedom and stifles the freedom of expression. <\/p>\n TheIndex Awards commented: \"Rajeev Chandrasekhar has battled tirelessly against growing internet censorship inIndia, using his position in the upper house of parliament to challenge legislation that chokes digital freedom. Through numerous articles and speeches he has urged the government to revise the 2011 Information Technology Rules and repeal part of the 2008 act on which it is based. He has described both (pieces of legislation) as a serious risk to democracy.\" <\/p>\n In response to news of his nomination, Mr Chandrasekhar commented: \"I'm greatly honored to be nominated for this prestigious reward.\" <\/p>\n These awards take place annually in recognition of journalists, bloggers, digital activists, campaigners and others around the world who fight vigorously against censorship to protect the freedom of speech.Other nominees for the Award include Pakistani school girl Malala, Pussy Riot - Russian punk group, Greek investigative journalist Kostas Vaxevanis, and Imprisoned Vietnamese blogger Ta Phong Tan. <\/p>\n In an announcement, CEO Kirsty Hughes said \"All of this year's nominees have shown great courage in speaking out, and fighting censorship and injustice often in very challenging conditions. Many of them come from established or emerging democracies, reflecting the disturbing fact that censorship is not just the preserve of authoritarian states, and that freedom of expression is an issue that affects us all, wherever we live.\" <\/p>\n Notes to Editors: <\/p>\n For further information: Michael Farrant, Project Associates +44-(0)207-321-0773 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n More here: <\/p>\n Independent Indian Politician Rajeev Chandrasekhar Nominated for the Index Freedom of Expression Awards<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" LONDON, March 13, 2013 \/PRNewswire\/ -- Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Independent member of the Indian Parliament in the Upper House, is one of two Indians nominated for an award at the Index Freedom of Expression Awards which will take place in London on the 21st March. (Photo: http:\/\/photos.prnewswire.com\/prnh\/20130313\/601256<\/a> ) Mr Chandrasekhar has been recognized for his tireless efforts to promote the freedom of expression in India, opposing legislation that limits digital freedom and stifles the freedom of expression. Continue reading