Advocate for people's rights [Person defending or promoting human rights] - Historian Scherbakowa Receives Freedom Prize at Hambach.
Russian activist Irina Scherbakova has been bestowed with the 1832 Hambach Freedom Prize during a ceremony. This award, worth 10,000 euros, was presented to the cultural scientist last Friday at Hambach Castle with former German President Joachim Gauck in attendance. Born in Moscow in 1949, Scherbakova is a co-founder of the Human Rights Group, Memorial, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. However, Memorial was already outlawed in Russia when they won the award.
This esteemed prize is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions towards democracy and displayed "courage for freedom," as expressed by Neustadt an der Weinstraße authorities. Scherbakova serves as an outspoken advocate of the freedom movement in Russia.
Laudatory Remarks by Gauck
Gauck, the first prize recipient in 2022, delivered the laudatory speech at the event. Scherbakova's preference for Gauck to speak was revealed by Neustadt's mayor, Marc Weigel (FWG).
During his address, Gauck highlighted Scherbakova's role as a human rights activist and brave representative of the freedom movement in her home country. "We know that once freedom and democracy are established in Russia, Ukrainians, Germans, Poles, Russians, and other Europeans wouldn't have to worry about the continent's security and peace anymore," remarked Gauck. "Scherbakova's courage is crucial. We honor her for gifting us her love for freedom."
During her address, Scherbakova acknowledged respected human rights activist Oleg Orlov, who previously co-directed Memorial. Orlov, 71, faced sentencing to two and a half years' imprisonment in Moscow in February for openly opposing Russia's invasion of Ukraine in a text.
A Symbol of Solidarity
Simone Schneider (SPD), Rhineland-Palatinate Interior Minister, assured the event's attendees that the award ceremony embodied solidarity with those targeted by oppression and tyranny. "The ceremony is also a testament to solidarity with victims of state persecution and a heartfelt message to those who denounce such wrongdoing, ultimately facing hostility and peril for their actions," added Schneider.
Lord Mayor Weigel commended Scherbakova as a renowned historian, Germanist, and human rights activist who gained international recognition through her efforts to re-evaluate and commemorate the victims of political persecution.
Christian "Chako" Habekost, a dialect comedian, used wit to highlight the role the Palatinate has played in promoting democracy and freedom. In 1832, the Hambach Festival exemplified the Palatinate's pursuit for liberation. Palatine citizens such as Fritz Walter and others participated in the 1954 World Cup's soccer triumph. He also referenced Kohl, a former Chancellor from Palatine, who shared Palatine Saumagen and convinced world powers to dismantle the Berlin Wall overnight.
Castle of Democracy
Hambach Castle is known as a cradle of democracy, offering a significant path to Germany's democratic evolution. In 1832, over ten thousand individuals gathered at the castle, united in their quest for liberty, national unity, and civil rights. The festival serves as a major stepping stone on the way to German democracy.
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Source: www.stern.de
