"Heroes of Peace" receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo
Human rights activists from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus were named "Champions of Peace" on Saturday when they accepted this year's Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo.
The now-banned Russian human rights organization Memorial and Center for Civil Liberties from Kiev and imprisoned Belarusian human rights lawyer Ales Bialiatsky, head of the human rights organization Viasna, were honored with the world's most important political award.
They were announced as winners in October.
Oleksandra Romantsova, President of the Center for Civil Liberties, and President of "Memorial" Jan Raczynski were able to receive medals and certificates in person at the Olsø City Hall.
As for Bialiatsky, who was in prison for a year and a half, he was represented by his wife, Natalia Pinchuk.
The award jury said the winners were recognized for the many years they have spent criticizing those in power and defending basic civil liberties.
She explained that this group has made great strides in documenting war crimes, human rights violations and abuse of power.
"Together they show the importance of civil society for peace and democracy," said Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Berit Reis-Andersen.
Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news