Belarus, Russia, Ukraine activists get Peace Nobel
Jailed Belarusian human rights activist Ales Byalyatski, Russian human rights organisation Memorial, and Ukrainian human rights organisation Centre for Civil Liberties won the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. "The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to honour three outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful co-existence in the neighbour countries Belarus, Russia and Ukraine," said Committee Chair Berit Reiss-Andersen. She called on Belarus to release Byalyatski from prison. The Nobel Peace Prize, worth 10 million Swedish crowns, or about US$900,000, will be presented in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the awards in his 1895 will. "The Peace Prize laureates represent civil society in their home countries. They have for many years promoted the right to criticise power and protect the fundamental rights of citizens," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in its citation. "They have made an outstanding effort to document war crimes, human right abuses and the abuse of power. Together they demonstrate the significance of civil society for peace and democracy." In response, Belarusian opposition politician Pavel Latushko said the award for Byalyatski is one for all political prisoners in the country. "It's not only for him but for all political prisoners which we have now in Belarus," Latushko said.  "It motivates all of us to struggle and we are sure we will win with the dictatorship of [Alexander] Lukashenko." (Reuters)