VG photographer Harald Henden was this year awarded the Fritt Ords Pris for his very strong efforts for freedom of expression. It is the first time a still photographer has received the award. On Tuesday evening, he received the award in a ceremony at the Opera in Oslo.
During his time as a photographer in VG, Henden has covered some of the world’s biggest and most dangerous conflicts in the last 30 years. In his speech, he emphasizes how important it is that the pictures that are published tell the truth.
– The media’s most important capital is credibility. During the war in Ukraine, several major media houses were forced to form their own verification groups to ensure that images and videos actually showed what they claimed to show. Without this work, things could have gone really wrong, says Henden.
Earlier this year, it became known that Henden has pancreatic cancer, which is a condition he knows he will die from.
Fritt Ord’s chairman Grethe Brochmann describes him as “Norwegians’ eyes in vulnerable contexts”. She highlights Henden’s courage in unpredictable and dangerous situations to become a first-hand witness to what is happening.
– Today you receive Fritt Ord’s award for a long and impressive career in the service of freedom of expression and communication. Congratulations, she ends the speech with.
(© NTB)
Tags: Harald Henden received award Fritt Ord Impressive life
