ZUNAR RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION.

Cartoonists Rights Network International announces its annual award winner for 2011

This year's Award for Courage in Editorial Cartooning will be presented on July 7, 2011 at the annual convention of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists taking place in St. Petersburg, Florida. The venue will be the Hilton Bayfront Hotel.

This year's winner is Malaysian cartoonist "Zunar". Zunar has become famous for his biting and amusing cartoons putting a harsh spotlight on the powerful political leaders in Malaysia. He has not hesitated as well, from poking fun at their families, especially those who are using their connections to empower and enrich themselves.

The regime in Malaysia have seized a number of his cartoons compilations and in fact arrested him last year and held him for two days in jail. When he asked his jailers, if they had read his cartoon books he received a negative answer. He asked the judge if he had read his cartoon books? The judge too said, “ No.” Soon he was released from jail. When no one could identify exactly who brought the charges against him in June of 2011, Zunar brought a civil suit against the government for false imprisonment.

Zunar and his wife will travel to St. Petersburg where they will accept his award. They will also spend a few days in Washington, DC making the rounds with the media. While in the Washington area they will be hosted by Robert Russell, the director of CRN and CRN Deputy Director Drew Rougier-Chapman will see to all of their logistical appointments.