” “” “Alexander Milinkevich, leader of the democratic opposition in Belarus, is the winner of the Sakharov 2006 Award. The announcement has been given this morning in Strasbourg, during the plenary session of EU Parliament. The award is given every year to people or organisations that fight for freedom of thought and "act against oppression, intolerance and injustice in every part of the world". The nominees for the 2006 Award were three: as well as the Belarusian scientist, the Lebanese journalist and politician Ghassan Tueni and "All those who rebel against abductions in Colombia". According to EU Parliament, Milinkevich works "against the violation of human rights and freedoms and for the respect of the rules that are at the roots of democracy"; "he is at the helm of a peaceful resistance, in a country in which a totalitarian regime is in force, and fights for a democratic future for his country". In October 2005, Milinkevich had run for president, but the elections were won by Lukashenko. Last April, he was arrested for 15 days along with other opposition members, guilty of having taken part in an "unauthorised rally". The award will be given during December’s parliamentary session.” “
