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Mr Milinkevich campaigning in October Square, Minsk, shortly after the 19 March elections (Photo: Andrew Rettman)

Belarus opposition leader wins EU human rights prize

Belarus opposition leader Aleksander Milinkevich has won the European Parliament's annual human rights award, the Sakharov Prize, for his work in galvanising pro-democracy campaigners in a climate of fear under president Aleksander Lukashenko's regime.

Mr Milinkevich could not be contacted on Thursday (26 October), but fellow human rights campaigner Irina Krasvoskaya speaking to EUobserver by phone from Minsk said "I am so excited! Milinkevich is a brave man. But this award is for ever...

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Author Bio

Andrew Rettman is EUobserver's Foreign Affairs Editor. He has been writing about foreign and security affairs for EUobserver since 2005. He is Polish but grew up in the UK. He has also written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Times of London.

Mr Milinkevich campaigning in October Square, Minsk, shortly after the 19 March elections (Photo: Andrew Rettman)

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Author Bio

Andrew Rettman is EUobserver's Foreign Affairs Editor. He has been writing about foreign and security affairs for EUobserver since 2005. He is Polish but grew up in the UK. He has also written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Times of London.

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