Freedom of Expression Foundation Tribute for courage in free speech
Lisanne Dijkstra (30) is awarded the Freedom of Expression Foundation Tribute for having revealed a mayor’s abuse, and for demonstrating great courage of expression in the face of powerful actors and forces in society.
“She reminds us of the importance of such civil courage for us as a society and as individuals”, remarks Bård Vegar Solhjell, chair of the Fritt Ord Foundation Board.
In 2013, a popular mayor was sentenced to prison after having sexual relations with a child under the age of 16. The offence could not have been prosecuted, had the child not had the courage to speak out and give evidence about what she had been subjected to. She testified in a sober, matter-of-fact manner through three rounds of court proceedings, and despite strong opposition. This took place several years before #metoo.
The child, Lisanne Dijkstra, is now a 30-year-old woman who has carved out a good life for herself. Recently, she told her story in the NRK series entitled ‘The whole story’. In addition to putting a face to “the girl from the case against the mayor”, she recounted her experience of the abuse and the process in a low-key, non-personalised way that made her story one that concerns us all:
A story about the exploitation of power imbalances. About how abusers are rarely monsters, but more likely to be ordinary, pleasant people. About how easy it is to turn a blind eye to things that don’t feel quite right, especially when the person creating the stir is admired. About the social burden of protesting in communities where many people know each other. About the powerful counter-forces that established political networks can represent when faced with challenges.
“Lisanne Dijkstra has demonstrated the importance of the courageous use of free speech in the search for truth and for democracy at the local and national levels”, continues Bård Vegar Solhjell.
“She has also shown the importance of such courage for supporting the third justification for freedom of expression, which is the ‘free formation of opinion by the individual’: It is only by being able to freely open up and question what is going on, by sharing our experiences with others, and by seeking to understand others’ perspectives on what we ourselves experience, that we can become mature human beings.
About the Freedom of Expression Foundation Tribute
The Freedom of Expression Foundation Tribute is usually awarded in connection with a current issue. Tributes can be awarded several times a year. The tribute consists of a prize of NOK 100 000 and a vase. Fritt Ord also awards the Freedom of Expression Foundation Prize annually.
The award ceremony for Lisanne Dijkstra will take place in the Fritt Ord Foundation’s premises at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
