On November 13, London hosted the awarding ceremony of the Magnitsky Prize, which has been awarded to journalists, politicians and activists for the protection of human rights since 2015. It is awarded annually in London on the initiative of Bill Browder and the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign.
This year, Svetlana and Siarhei Tsikhanovsky became laureates of the award.
The Belarusian leader spoke at the ceremony and dedicated the award to Belarusian political prisoners:
“It is a great honor for me to receive the Magnitsky Prize and to share it with my husband Sergey.
Tonight, we would like to dedicate it to all those who, like Sergei Magnitsky himself, suffer behind bars, but refused to bow to injustice.
We dedicate it to Ales Bialiatski, our Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who, even in prison, still dreams of a free, European Belarus.
To Ekaterina Andreeva, a journalist who continued to broadcast live, even when she was arrested on the air.
Masha Kolesnikova, who tore up her passport, refusing to leave the country under duress.
Andrzej Pachobut, a Polish-Belarusian journalist who refused to kneel down and ask for “forgiveness” from the dictator.
Mykola Statkevich, an officer and politician, who refused illegal deportation and was kidnapped again by Lukashenka’s henchmen.
We dedicate this award to all 1,300 political prisoners. They were taken hostage for their love for their country and freedom.”
Posted by SovietICBM