The Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul” in the evening of September 30 handed over the Freedom Award 2015 for the most prolific, dedicated and visible human rights organization. The award was conferred on the Association “Promo-LEX” through its head Ion Manole, who was praised by the organizers for the efforts he made over the last few years to defend the human rights and freedoms in Transnistria, IPN reports.

The Institute’s executive director Liubomir Chiriac said the award is presented to upright persons who, regardless of the situation, continue to work with abnegation. “Our organization has always supported powerful people, with views that overcame numerous obstacles, who put the society’s wellbeing above other interests. In a society in which the abuses became banalities, there are always people who do not want to be simply viewers of the developments. Such people struggle for truth and democracy and they definitely deserve and should be encouraged,” he stated.

Chairman of the Administrative Board Igor Munteanu said this event has a special significance in a period marked by social turbulence and government indecision. The annual presentation of the award is like a tribute that the organization is ready to pay to the most reputable leaders of civil society, encouraging performance and democratic beliefs. The Institute confers the Freedom Award for recognized merits and as an encouragement for the future successes because the world can be improved by the own example.

For his part, Ion Manole said that this prize encourages the organization that decided to dedicate this trophy to the Transnistrians. “Regretfully, this support comes from civil society only for now. It is important for this team of journalists who do not become involved in political activities to be supported. As regards the population of Transnistria, the people there do not possess the instruments needed to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled,” he stated.

Attending the event, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Victor Osipov said that besides promoting the human rights and defending the people’s freedoms in an exemplary way, “Promo-LEX” developed with perseverance and consistency and coped with the challenges, including political ones. “You deserve all our recognition and the examples you give will motivate other organizations to persevere,” he stated.

This was the third Freedom Award presented by “Viitorul”.