Each year, the Free Press Society of Denmark gives out the Sappho Award ? a prize for courage in the advocacy of free speech, named after the Greek poet who serves as the Society?s icon. This year?s winner is cartoonist Lars Vilks, who has been dealing with death threats from Muslims in Europe ever since drawing a dog with Mohammed?s head in 2007.
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?I am an artist and my artwork is probably difficult to understand,? he said when receiving his award. ?Many have tried to understand what that dog is about. But I don?t even understand it myself. Some believe that it is a form of blasphemy, but I say that it is what art is all about. I show my things to the world and then the world must interpret it.?
