Pavel Chikov received the 2014 Rafto Prize in Bergen on behalf of Agora. Agora is an alliance of legal professionals that conducts cases relating to the authorities’ violation of rights in many of Russia’s regions.

“Detention”

"The pressure exerted on human rights activists and the political opposition by the Russian authorities is increasing. Several organizations have been closed down and individuals placed under house arrest. Freedom of expression, of organization and of assembly has been increasingly clamped down on in recent years. It is now practically impossible to work for the political opposition,” Mr Chikov told the Members of Parliament gathered. He mentioned censorship of the Internet as being of particular concern. Since 2012, when a federal law was passed that allowed websites to be blacklisted, more than 200,000 websites have been closed down.

“Continued support”

“I am deeply concerned about developments in the fields of human rights and foreign policy in Russia. We have repeatedly raised the question of human rights abuses with our Russian colleagues, and we will continue to voice our concerns,” said Olemic Thommessen.

He also stressed that Norway has a long tradition of supporting civil society in Russia, and will continue to do so despite the challenging circumstances in the country.

No prize money

Among the Rafto Foundation’s grounds for awarding the prize to Agora is recognition of the organization’s tireless and professional work in defence of the rule of law and other human rights in a Russia where organizations and the individual are being put under increasing pressure by the authorities.

Pavel Chikov and Agora have declined to accept any prize money after the organization was labelled a “foreign agent” by the Russian authorities earlier this year.

“Accepting the prize money and having the funds transferred to Agora’s organization in Russia would have generated a lot of administration, something that would have been at the expense of the work they have received the prize for,” said Mr Chikov.

Rafto Rafto Prize winners meeting the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. From left to right: Sylvi Graham (Conservative Party), Committee Chair Anniken Huitfeldt (Labour Party), Pavel Chikov (Agora), Øyvind Halleraker (Conservative Party), Liv Signe Navarsete (Centre Party), Gunnar Viken (Conservative Party) and Damir Gainutdinov (Agora). Photo: The Storting.