Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2011

Human rights activist Alexander Milinkevich won the Sakharov Prize in 2006 when he ran as a candidate against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, considered by many as Europe's last dictator. Lukashenko won, but was heavily criticised for rigging the elections. Since then, Milinkevich has been arrested under various pretexts, but has never stopped fighting for freedom and democracy.

You have been active in Belarus for many years. What was your greatest success?

When I began to participate in elections in 2006, there were many highly-placed people in Europe who said we should unite our country with Russia in order to resolve the problem of Lukashenko. After the elections, tens of thousands of people protested publicly despite the threat of being considered as terrorists - and in our country that could mean a death sentence. Everyone has understood that people want to live in an independent and democratic country. For me that's a success.

Did receiving the Sakharov Prize help?

Only we can change things from within to make our country democratic and free. But, the solidarity shown by European leaders is very important. The more support we get from the EP and EU leaders the less easy it is for a dictator to continue his repression.  

How can the Sakharov network help your fight for human rights?

We are far from each other and the situations in our countries are very different but I believe that the network can provide benefits. For instance, we make common statements; that's a start but we lack collective action and that's something we should work on.

This year, five Arab Spring activists won the Sakharov Prize. Do you think we are witnessing a lasting democratic transition or will this remain but an episode?

There are still people who think that some countries, some people are not yet ready for democracy. They think a dictator at the head of a country is normal. I believe that every nation, every man and woman wants to be free, because they are born free. That's what the people of North Africa have shown, that all nations deserve freedom.

If the EU wants to change the world it must work on human rights. Don't imagine that a dictatorship is a guarantee of stability. Only democracy can ensure stability.