The nomination was made by the Commission of Freedom Prizes.
“In 1991, Michnik and other Polish politicians demonstrated unconditional and reckless support for Lithuania’s freedom by supporting the struggle of Lithuanian citizens against the Soviet Union’s aggression. Michnik’s activities were always favourable to Lithuania,” the parliament said in a press release.
According to the communiqué, Michnik actively supports closer ties between Lithuania and Poland in the face of the war in Ukraine.
Established in 2011, the Freedom Prize is intended to celebrate achievements of persons and organizations and their contribution to the protection of human rights, promotion of democracy and international cooperation in their struggle for self-determination and sovereignty of Central and Eastern European nations. The first Freedom Prize of 2011 was awarded to Russian fighter for freedom and democracy Sergey Kovalev, Antanas Terleckas, a former Soviet dissident and leader of the Freedom League, received the prize in 2012 and the 2013 prize went to archbishop Sigitas Tamkevičius who founded the underground publication, Chronicles of the Catholic Church of Lithuania.
The prize is conferred at a solemn Seimas meeting on 13 January, the Day of Freedom Defenders.
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