The political prisoner Ales Bialiatski nominated for the "For Freedom" , established by the Lithuanian parliament , said the Lithuanian edition Lietuvos rytas. It should be noted that the information that the head of the human rights center "Viasna" may receive a prize , appeared in the Lithuanian media at the 10th anniversary of the Belarusian authorities deprivation of his organization legal status.

The Commission's proposal to nominate Ales Bialiatski for the award was supported by the Foundation of Civil Defense and the Belarusian Cultural Society of Lithuania. "For his courageous and consistent support for human rights in Belarus Ales Bialiatski has repeatedly awarded in the world" - the statement said organizations . Also in this statement stressed that led Bialiatski Center "Viasna " is one of the most influential human rights organizations in Belarus, which provides legal and other assistance to victims of political repression and their families.

Since 1988, Ales Bialiatski was arrested more than 20 times in their political, civic and social activities. Last Bialiatski was arrested in early August 2011 , after which he was sentenced to 4.5 years in a medium security penal colony . He was found guilty of not paying taxes on the funds held in accounts with foreign banks - Ales Bialiatski , who was unable to officially register the organization in Belarus , has used these funds to help the victims of the repression.

The data on bank accounts of Ales Bialiatski was transferred to Minsk Prosecutor's Office of Poland and the Ministry of Justice of Lithuania . Sliding it at a premium, Vilnius and Warsaw admitted their mistake and have demonstrated that they apologize to the Belarusian human rights activist .

The award " For Freedom" to individuals and organizations for their achievements and contribution to the protection of human rights, democratic development , the development of cross-border cooperation , the fight for the nations of Eastern and Central Europe for self-determination and sovereignty was established September 15, 2011 the Lithuanian Parliament, which adopted a special law . The award is 5,000 euros ( 17,250 litas) .

The first winner of the award was in 2011, active fighter for freedom and democracy, the Russian dissident and human rights activist Sergei Kovalev . The award in 2012 was a former Soviet dissident, leader of the "League of Freedom" Anton Terleckas .