Controversy has erupted in Sweden with the photographer Paul Hansen’s image, which has won the Swedish Picture of the Year Award 2011, publishes Terra de España.
In the photo we can see Fabienne, a young Haitian girl of only 14 who was killed by the police after being discovered looting a store and stealing two plastic chairs and some framed artwork after the earthquake that shook Haiti.
(Photo Paul Hansen)
Now it is known that at the moment of this girl’s death, there were 14 photojournalists present, which has unleashed criticisms and a debate over the ethics of photographers.
The controversy began when the photographer Nathan Weber published a photograph where the same image appears as in the winning photograph but from a perspective in which the girl is seen laying on the ground, surrounded by photographers.
(Photo Paul Hansen)
The debate that is arising in Sweden revolves around the question, “Would Sweden have donated less for disaster relief if that photo had not been published?” Or “Would fewer resources and professionals have been sent?”
photo by Nathan Weber
What do you think of the ethics behind this photograph? Which scene is more shocking? Which is more worthy of the prize?