The annual International Hrant Dink Award ceremony was held on Sept. 15; the birthday of Hrant Dink; former editor­inchief of Istanbul “Agos” newspaper. As “Armenpress” reports referring to “Agos”, during the ceremony held for already the 7th time, the awards were handed to Saudi woman rights defender Samar Badawi and Kaos GL organization which has been fighting for LGBT rights in Turkey for 20 years.

Samar Badawi could not attend the ceremony and personally take the award due to prohibition to leave the country. Every year, the Award is presented to individuals, organizations or groups that work for a free and just world free from discrimination, racism and violence, who take personal risks for achieving those ideals, who break the stereotypes and use the language of peace and by doing so give inspiration and hope to others.

By means of this Award, the Hrant Dink Foundation aims to remind to all those who struggle for these ideals that their voices are heard, their works are visible, they are not alone, and also to encourage everyone to fight for their ideals. Armenian­-Turkish writer, founder and editor­in­chief of “Agos” newspaper was killed in January 19, 2007 by Turkish nationalists.