Salman Rushdie says freedom of expression must be defended unconditionally

Author Salman Rushdie acknowledges applause as he receives the Peace Prize of the German book trade (Pool via AP)

Author Sir Salman Rushdie has called for the unconditional defence of freedom of expression as he received a prestigious German prize that recognises his literary work as well as his resolve in the face of constant danger.

The British-American author decried the current age as a time when freedom of expression is under attack by all sides, including from authoritarian and populist voices, according to the German news agency dpa.