Imtiaz was named the 2009 recipient of the Bindman’s Law and Campaigning Award for his work as the president of HAKAM, the National Human Rights Society of Malaysia. He came to prominence for his involvement as an attorney in the Lina Joy case, and has since spent renewed time in the spotlight as the lead counsel for Malaysia Today blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin.

A longtime advocate for journalists and bloggers, Imtiaz’ work has often taken into the realms of religious freedom and tolerance. He has given speeches in numerous public forums about the need for mutual understanding, and has proposed the establishment of an inter-faith council to promote discussion and to mediate religious disputes. Such efforts have provoked considerable ire from the mainstream religious establishment; a poster circulated in 2006 called him a “traitor to Islam” and demanded his death.

The Bindman’s Law and Campaigning Award is one of five awards given out by the magazine to individuals worldwide who have made contributions to the fight for free expression.

“Freedom of expression helps to define our essence as human beings and citizens,” said Index on Censorship Chairman Jonathan Dimbleby, speaking at the ceremony. “Everywhere this right is under growing threat. The Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards are a chance to celebrate those who against all odds have made distinguished contributions to this vital cause - to protect and enhance liberty in Britain and around the world.”

Other recipients of the awards for 2009 are:

The Guardian Journalism Award: The Sunday Leader – Sri Lanka

The Economist New Media Award: Psiphon software programme , developed as a human rights software project by the Citizen Lab at the University
of Toronto, that allows Internet access in countries where censorship is imposed.

The TR Fyvel Book Award: Beijing Coma – Ma Jian, author of Beijing Coma

The Index on Censorship Film Award: The Devil Came on Horseback directed by Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern The Devil Came on Horseback takes the viewer on an emotionally-charged journey into the heart of Darfur.

For more information, full list of Award recipients and details about the winners please visit http://www.indexoncensorship.org/2009/04/21/freedom-of-expression-award-2009-recipients-announced/