Best Human Rights Journalist of the Year
The award for Best Human Rights Journalist of the Year was given by the Belarusian Association of Journalists and Human Rights Alliance to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
Award: Best Human Rights Journalist of the Year
Given by: Belarusian Association of Journalists and Human Rights Alliance
Network: RFE/RL, Belarus Service
Award Winning Work: Liberty in Prisons
Description: “Liberty in Prisons,” Pankratava’s signature 24-minute radio show, is broadcast every week by RFE/RL’s Belarus Service. In it, she reports on daily conditions in prisons, drawing on letters sent to her by prisoners who are currently serving sentences and those who have been released, usually with the author’s name omitted for their protection. The letters relate accounts of harsh treatment, unsanitary conditions, and repeated solitary confinement. Pankratava also interviews prisoners’ family members who hope that by speaking out about their relative’s treatment, conditions might improve.
Individuals: Alena Pankratava