Mustafa Dzhemiliev – Laureate of “Light of Justice” Award

Mustafa Dzhemiliev, Head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, National Deputy and former political prisoner has become the second Laureate of the “Light of Justice” Award.

One of the members of the selection committee, Vice-Rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University and former political prisoner, Myroslav Marynovych called Mustafa Dzhemiliev an outstanding politician of our time. “He has for several decades defended the rights of his people following an unwavering path of non-violence.”

The Light of Justice Award was founded as an annual prize by Canadian Ukrainian Anastasia Shkilnyk for moral, spiritual and ethical leadership in Ukraine.  Myroslav Marynovych explains that this was in honour of her father, Mykhailo Shkilnyk, a renowned lawyer, civic and political figure from the time of the liberation struggle in Ukraine.

Anastasia Shkilnyk explains that this Award recognizes people who have distinguished themselves through their ability to light the candle of justice in the dark recesses of the human soul and to guide the way to a more humane society. “My father never sought recognition for his dedicated service in the name of justice. He is a clear example of moral leadership and for this reason I decided to create such an award.

The selection committee looked for a figure in the avant-garde of social and political life in Ukraine who provides a constant example of modesty and selfless commitment to moral principles, courageous determination to serve and remain true to his convictions and selflessly uphold the interests of democratic society.  Their unanimous choice this year was the Leader of the Crimean Tatar National Movement, Mustafa Dzhemiliev.

In November 2010 the first Laureate of the Light of Justice Award was Yevhen Sverstiuk, Ukrainian writer and publicist, human rights defender and former dissident and political prisoner. 

Warmest congratulations to Mustafa Dzhemiliev!