August 10, 1999
August 10, 1999
Contact HRF Communications (212) 845 5245 media@humanrightsfirst.orgBelarus Lawyer Presented with Rights Award
from American Bar Association
Award Recognizes U.S. Support for Foreign Lawyers Under AttackAtlanta, August 10, 1999 — Human Rights First today applauded the American Bar Association for honoring a prominent Belarus lawyer, Vera Stremkovskaya, with its annual human rights award. The award was announced by the Section of Litigation at the annual meeting of the ABA in Atlanta.
In a letter announcing the award, the ABA recognized Ms. Stremkovskaya’s "extraordinary contributions to the causes of human rights, the rule of law, and promotion of access to justice." She has been on the front lines of protecting rights in Belarus, as one of the only lawyers willing to represent political dissidents, student demonstrators, and other clients unpopular with the regime of President Aleksandr Lukashenko.
"This award recognizes the extreme risk lawyers like Ms. Stremkovskaya face when standing up for fundamental rights," stated Robert O. Weiner, Director of Human Rights First’s Protection Program. "Lawyers like her are essential because they use law to force government to meet their obligations to protect all their citizens."
Ms. Stremkovskaya has been subject to harassment, reprimands, and a criminal investigation in retaliation for her outspoken support for human rights. "Belarus officials should be put on notice by this award that the world is watching their behavior. Lawyers like her have the support of their American counterparts, who are willing and able to help them. Further attacks on lawyers are not acceptable," stated Weiner.
The award is granted each year by the more than 60,000 trial lawyers, judges, and others that make up the Section of Litigation, the ABA’s largest division.
For more information, see Protecting Lawyers & Human Rights Advocates