Ali
Ferzat

Awardee

Country

Syria

Ali Ferzat advocates for free expression through visual art.

Themes
Free Expression / Civil Society
Disciplines
Visual Art
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2002

Profile

Ali Ferzat is a Syrian political cartoonist based in Kuwait. Ferzat has made an impact through his satirical works, which have been published in over 15,000 caricatures across Syrian, Arab, and international newspapers. As the head of the Arab Cartoonists Association, he has used his art to challenge political authority and inspire dialogue on issues of governance, freedom, and human rights.Ferzat's stance against corruption and authoritarianism, particularly during the Syrian civil war, led to a brutal attack in 2011, where his hands were broken as a warning against his critical work. Despite this, he has continued to be a prominent voice for change, receiving international recognition including the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2011 and being named one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2012. Ferzat's work not only provides insightful commentary on the Syrian crisis but also embodies the power of art in mobilizing public opinion and challenging oppressive regimes.