For Freedom of Expression award presented in Hrodna (pictures)

The For Freedom of Expression Award today was officialled unveiled in Vasil Bykov Museum in Hrodna. ERB correspondent was among those who saw the statuette authored by Victor Kopach for the first time. Pavel Mazheika, a representative from the Hrodna branch of the For Freedom movement, and Mikalai Melnikaw, the director of Vasil Bykov Museum, unveiled the statuette.

"In the first place, Bykov created his best and most famous works in Hrodna. In the second place, Hrodna accommodates the first public Vasil Bykov museum. We sent numerous requests to the local authorities, asking to support this museum. Unfortunately, the government does not see it fit", Pavel Mazheika says.

This year, the statuette will be awarded to three Belarusians who "promote the indpendent Belarusian community and work to bring Belarus back into the European family".

The jury comprises over 30 prominent personalities, including Iryna Bykava, Ryhor Baradulin, Nil Hilevich. The official award ceremony will take place on June 26 in Vasil Bykov's home village in the Vitsebsk region.

Siarhei Apanovich in Hrodna