Continuing the tradition of 2013/2014 years, IDIS “Viitorul” awarded in this year the Freedom Prize to a famous personality of civil society for 2014. This time, the annual prize of freedom was awarded to the most prolific, most dedicated and visible human rights organization – Promo-LEX, through its director, Ion Manole.

Offering him the trophy of its assessment, the organizers of the ceremony said that they offer in this way a great significance to effort undertaken by Promo-LEX in recent years to support the defense of liberties and civil rights in Transnistria.

Executive director of IDIS, Liubomir Chiriac, said that “the award is given to persons with integrity, with verticality and who, in any event, continue to work selflessly, sending positive messages to society, stressing that things can change for the better, that justice and justice will triumph. Our institution has always supported strong people with vision, who have overcome many obstacles and put other interests before the good of society. In a society in which abuses have become commonplace things, there are people who do not want to be simply spectators to what is happening. Such people fight for truth and democracy and they certainly deserve and should be encouraged“.

President of the Administrative Council, Igor Munteanu, welcomed “the symbolism of this event in a time of social turmoil and governmental indecision”. He acknowledged that IDIS “Viitorul” appreciates the annual awarding of the Freedom Prize as a tribute that the organization is ready to provide the most formidable civil society leaders, encouraging performance and democratic convictions. “And in 2015 we are pleased with the choice. Awarding this prize of freedom to Ion Manole, Director of Promo-LEX we honor in this way the boldness, courage, professionalism and dedication to those who show they really care about the oppressed, those without help from the justice and state authorities, in particular, residents of Transnistrian region who are for over two decades under foreign occupation. IDIS tradition is to award this prize for the merits recognized, but also as an encouragement for future victories because we believe we can change the world by our own example”.

In turn, Director of Promo-LEX, Ion Manole, thanked for the award, dedicating it to the people from Trasnistria. “This gesture encourages and supports our organization. Unfortunately, this support comes only from civil society now. It is important that a team of lawyers who are involved in political activities to be supported. As the population of Transnistria, there people do not have the tools necessary to enjoy the rights they are entitled. For this reason, we dedicate this award to Transnistrian people”.

Attending the event, Deputy Prime Minister Victor Osipov, welcomed the initiative of IDIS and the effort of Promo-LEX. “Promo-LEX is an organization that does not let you relax. This is very necessary. Beyond the exemplary approach of promoting human rights and human liberties, it should be noted the perseverance and consistency that has evolved and coped with challenges, including political ones. You deserve our gratitude beacuse such examples will motivate other organizations to persevere”.

Maria Roibu, director of the High School “Alexandru cel Bun” from Bender, owner of Freedom Award in 2014, said that “in 2004, when I was stuck, Mr Ion Manole was the first who helped us and encouraged us and was with us. I am convinced that Mr. Manole, Mr. Postica and Mr. Zubco are thinking at us every day, and Mr. Manole is one of the few people you can contact and during the night”.

“Freedom is very important for us, is not a simple word. Because we are there as a reserve, isolated. Promo-LEX has always been with us. Now, as they cannot come to us, we feel alone“, said Ion Iovcev, director of the High School “Lucian Blaga” in Tiraspol.

The profile of the Promo-LEX notes that the organization was created in 2002 as an organization for the defense and promotion of human rights by a group of lawyers, gaining public recognition and multiple awards, including the UN prize for its initiatives in the Transnistrian region. In 13 years of activity, Promo-LEX legal instructed and assisted about 13 thousand people and made about 100 cases to the ECHR. In 26 cases, the European Court found a violation of human rights, and another 45 cases were communicated to the respondent governments.

IDIS awarded the Freedom Prize to Maria Roibu, director of the High School “Alexandru cel Bun” (2014) and to Alina Radu, director of investigative journalism newspaper “Ziarul de Garda” (2013).