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Opposition organization launches Vasil Bykaw «For Freedom of Thought» Award

A launch ceremony for the Vasil Bykaw “For Freedom of Thought” Award took place in a museum in Hrodna on June 18.

Instituted by the Movement for Freedom, an opposition organization led by Alyaksandr Milinkevich, the award, a marble and bronze piece made by sculptor Viktar Kopach, will be presented to three Belarusians in the renowned author’s birthplace, the village of Bychki near Ushachy, Vitsyebsk region, on June 26, opposition activist Pavel Mazheyka told BelaPAN.

The annual award will be bestowed on people “who contribute to the creation of an independent Belarusian community and the return of Belarus to the European family.”

Prize winners are to be selected by a panel of more than 30 prominent Belarusian art figures and scholars, including Bykaw’s widow, Iryna, Ryhor Baradulin, Nil Hilevich, Henadz Burawkin, Adam Maldzis, Svyatlana Aleksiyevich, Uladzimir Arlow, Volha Ipatava, Radzim Haretski, Aleh Trusaw and Ivonka Survila.

The ceremony was held at the country’s only Vasil Bykaw museum, which is funded through donations from the public. “Today’s ceremony is an attempt to draw the attention of the public, the city and national authorities to the museum and its condition,” Mr. Mazheyka said.

The Hrodna authorities have refused to unveil a tablet on the house where the writer lived for many years or name a street after him