| Dakar, Senegal
Grigory Yavlinsky, leader
of the Russian Liberal Party Yabloko, was today awarded the prestigious
Freedom Prize for 2004 by the Liberal International Congress meeting in
Dakar, Senegal.
Commenting on the unanimous decision to give the award to Mr. Yavlinsky,
Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, President of the Liberal International, said:
"Liberal International's Freedom Prize is warded to those who fight
for and promote the cause of human rights and liberal democracy. We are
delighted to honour Grigory Yavlinsky with this prize in recognition of
his work in these areas and his efforts to improve the quality of life
for the peoples of Russia. Grigory Yavlinsky's courage and his principled
stance, notably regarding the situation in Chechnya, are much admired."
"Liberal International was concerned to hear of the raid on Yabloko's
election offices this week. We call on the Russian authorities to ensure
that all parties are allowed to campaign freely and without intimidation
or harassment."
Previous winners of the Liberal International Freedom Prize include
President Wade of Senegal, anti-apartheid activist Helen Suzman, Burmese
dissident Aung San Suu Kyi and Vaclav Havel.
See also:
Liberal International web-site
http://www.liberal-international.org/
| 