Today in Prague, the selection committee for the award, which is Europe's most prestigious human rights award, announced three nominees. They are human rights activist and journalist Maksym Butkevych from Ukraine, journalist Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia, and journalist Ulvi Hasanli from Azerbaijan.
In February 2022, Maksym decided that the best way to protect human rights was to take up arms and defend Ukraine. Within a few months, he found himself in Russian captivity, where he was falsely accused and sentenced to 13 years in prison. Maksym spent more than two years in captivity until he was released in October 2024 during an exchange.
"I am honoured to be a co-initiator of his nomination, together with Oleksandra Matviychuk (main sponsor), Oksana Pokalchuk, Support Action Ukraine, Olga Herasyuk, People in Need, and PEN Ukraine. We will be rooting for Maksym during the PACE session in September, when the selection panel in Strasbourg will choose the winner of the Prize," said Yevheniia Kravchuk.
The award ceremony will take place on 29 September. On the same day, Maksym will address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.