18. Feb 2010

Cartoonists Rights Network International Opens its First Local Chapter

By South African cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro (Zapiro).

Cartoonists Rights Network International (CRNI ) is one of many organisations providing input that enables ICORN to be more effective in its work to protect persecuted writers. CRNI monitors and supports the well-being of political cartoonists who find themselves in trouble because of the power and influence of their professional work. Earlier this month, CRNI celebrated the opening of its first "CRNI Chapter" at
American University, Washington DC.

Pulitzer Prize winning editorial carotonist Joel Pett addressed a group of students and faculty at the university. With him was CRNI Director Robert Russell, and joining by Skype from Canada was noted Iranian blogger and cartoonist Nikahang Kowsar.

The local chapters will build young audiences who will support the power and role of political cartoons around the world. Students will help CRNI
build connections with cartoonists in countries where freedom of the
press is at risk and they will be involved directly in mounting
campaigns to help cartoonists in trouble. They will use all the
communication channels popular with young people to raise awareness
about the erosions of political cartooning in America and the fate of
specific cartoonists in trouble elsewhere in the world.

The cartoon above was created by South African cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro (Zapiro).