Ouissem Belgacem is the new president of the jury for the 2025 Freedom Prize. He was appointed this Thursday, November 7, 2024.
The former footballer, who played for the youth teams at Toulouse football club, has retrained as a writer, speaker and screenwriter in his fight against homophobia in sport: “Deeply honored to have been named chair of the 2025 Freedom Prize. I can’t wait to get to work. It is with respect and humility that I accept this mission,” a reagé Ouissem Belgacem
Read also: IN PICTURES. Highlights of the Freedom Prize award ceremony at Motaz Azaïza, in Caen
“An opportunity to give voice to youth”
He is notably the author of the work Goodbye my shamein 2021, which recounts his journey as an athlete facing the homophobia of which he was a victim. His book was adapted into a documentary series in 2023, broadcast on Canal+.
Ouissem Belgacem will accompany the 24 members of the international jury, who are between 15 and 25 years old and come from France but also from Germany, Hungary, Syria, India, Morocco, Uganda, Rwanda and even Bolivia.
This jury will meet from February 10 to 14 at the Dôme, in Caen, and will elect, for the final, three people or organizations committed to their fight for freedom. The winner will be elected from these three finalists during an online vote from March 20 to April 30, 2025.
“This prize is a unique opportunity to give voice to young people so that they can shape our future”adds Ouissem Belgacem.
The call for proposals for committed people or organizations is still ongoing. It will close on January 13, 2025. Last year, Gaza photographer Motaz Azaïza was elected.
