The international non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch granted Goran Dwkani the Hellman-Hammett award today.

“Due to the evidence of the threats I received during my journalist career in Kurdistan and support from more than 15 NGOs – including Human Rights Watch – I was rewarded the Hellman-Hammett award. ­

The Hellman-Hammett award recognizes selected writers for their commitment to free expression and their boldness in the face of political harassment. Human Rights Watch administrates the grants, and gives them annually to honor and assist writers around the globe who have been targets of oppression.