Six Publishers Shortlisted for 2025 IPA Prix Voltaire

Publishing Ireland > News > Six Publishers Shortlisted for 2025 IPA Prix Voltaire

At the Festival du Livre de Paris, the International Publishers Association (IPA) has announced six publishers from Algeria, Belarus, Lebanon, Russia, and the USA as the shortlist for the association’s Freedom to Publish prize, the Prix Voltaire.

Mohamad Hadi, Dar Al Rafidain, Lebanon
Amar Ingrachen, Frantz Fanon, Algeria
Nadja Kandrusevich, Koska, Belarus (exiled in Sweden)
Michel Moushabeck, Interlink Publishing, USA
Dmitri Strotsev, Hochroth Minsk, Belarus (exiled in Germany)
Georgy Urushadze, Freedom Letters, Russia (exiled in UK)

Kristenn Einarsson, Chair of the IPA’s Freedom to Publish Committee said: The freedom to publish is vital if the freedom of expression is to exist in practice and if the freedom to read is to be enjoyed fully. The IPA Prix Voltaire recognizes those publishers who fight for their freedom to publish, for their freedom to recognize the remarkable work of a creator and to try to bring it to readers. As we see from the world around us the freedom of expression can erode very quickly with obvious influence on the Freedom to Publish. These are rights that we constantly must fight for, and as a number of publishers in our shortlist this year suggest, from exile if necessary.

The announcement was part of session at the Festival du Livre de Paris entitled “The Book: A Form of Resistance?” which was opened by a video message from Sihem Bensedrine, the 2009 IPA Prix Voltaire laureate, and a speech from her daughter, Essia Mestiri.

Following the shortlist announcement, French publisher, Antoine Gallimard, and Algerian author Khamel Daoud took the floor to support imprisoned Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal and repeat the industry’s calls for his immediate release.

The session closed with a discussion around the topic Democracy Depends on Reading with French publisher Laurence Faron (Talents Hauts) and Kristenn Einarsson.