Ales Bialiatski Received an Alternative Nobel Prize

The prize was awarded for efforts in the fight for democracy and human rights in Belarus.

Belarusian human rights activist Ales Bialiatski was awarded the "Right Lifestyle Award" on Thursday, which is sometimes called the "alternative Nobel prize," Voice of America reports.

The head of the Swedish Foundation of the same name that is behind the award, Ole von Uexkull, said the decision "highlights the growing threats to democracy around the world."

"The time has come when all those who support democracy around the world should stand up and support each other," he said.

The Foundation noted 58-year-old human rights defender Ales Bialiatski and the non-governmental human rights center "Viasna" headed by him "for their resolute struggle for the realization of democracy and human rights in Belarus."

In 2012, Bialiatski was nominated for the Nobel peace prize and was awarded several awards while incarcerated. His human rights center has provided legal assistance to thousands of Belarusian citizens who have been arrested or jailed for defying Lukashenka's rule.