Freely also said that “This prize is English PEN’s way of thanking Salman Rushdie not just for his books and his many years of speaking out for freedom of expression, but also for his countless private acts of kindness.  When he sees writers unjustly vilified, prosecuted, or forced into exile, he takes a personal interest. I think he would be the first to say that it was Harold Pinter who set the example in this regard: the engaged writer never sleeps.”

Salman Rushdie’s prize will be jointly received with an International Writer of Courage selected by him in association with English PEN’s Writers at Risk Committee.  The writer chosen to share the prize will be someone who has been intimidated for speaking out about their beliefs, creating a charming paradox. The co-winner will be announced at the event and accept their prize alongside Salman Rushdie.

Antonia Fraser, Harold Pinter’s widow, warmly responded to Salman Rushdie winning the award and stated that, “Harold admired Salman Rushdie’s work profoundly long before he met him. This award would have meant a great deal to Harold who respected Salman twice over, both for his work and his great personal courage.”

Rushdie soar to fame with his 1981 novel Midnight’s Children which also received the Booker Prize thrice. The author has constantly been in the news for his outspoken nature and his image as a religious and political aficionado. In 1989 Salman Rushdie was issued a fatwa or sentence to death by the Ayatollah Khomeini for writing a religiously torrid novel—Satanic Verses, which was accused of being against the Islam and the Prophet. So began the ‘unflinching’ journey for Rushdie, who most fittingly suits the criterion for this award.
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