Erdem Gunduz(34) Turkey's 'Standing Man' wins Germany's M100 Media Award

Erdem Gunduz,who earned the epithet of "standing man" for his passive protest against the redevelopment of Istanbul's Gezi Park, will be honoured for his "courageous commitment to freedom of expression and human rights" with the M100 Media Award.

On the night of June 17th, Gunduz put his hands in his pockets, and stood still and silent for 8 hours.
Within hours his passive resistence had gained attention on the internet, prompting hundreds to join him in his silent vigil.
"With his silent protest, he became the icon of peaceful resistance and has been emulated around the world," said the jury of journalists, which will present the award on September 5 at Potsdam, just outside Berlin.
"His weapon is creativity, his trademarks are courage and perseverance. That is what you need to promote free speech and human rights," said Potsdam mayor and M100 chairman Jann Jakobs.