Andrei Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought awarded in Oslo (Photo)

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded in Oslo. The prize was founded by one of the most influential human rights organizations of the world, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.

This year the prize was given to Yevgeny Zhovtis, the leader of Kazakh human rights organization, the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was established by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee in 1980, with accord from Andrei Sakharov. It was created to support those who are persecuted and jailed for their opinion, beliefs and conscience. The prize was first awarded in 1984.

The recipient of the prize, Kazakh human rights watchdog Yevgeny Zhovtis, heading the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, is serving a four-year term in Ust-Kamenogorsk detention facility. The award was received on Zhovtis’ behalf by a representative of his organization and his wife, Svetlana.

The Belarus Free Theatre, which presented its “Discovering Love” play, has taken part in the ceremony. Members of the troupe have dedicated the play to the Yevgeny Zhovtis, who received the prize, and to Aleh Byabenin, a Belarusian journalist murdered in Minsk recently.