The Albie Awards add a new dimension to our work at CFJ: they are a way to shine a protective light on the many courageous individuals who, at great personal risk, have devoted their lives to justice.

Alina Stefanovich accepted The Albie on behalf of Viasna for fearlessly and professionally documenting human rights abuses and defending freedom in Belarus. The group has paid a high price for their work: six Viasna members have been detained on trumped-up charges, both of the organization’s leaders are in jail, and more than half of the team has been forced to flee the country. Alina read a letter from her husband Valiantsin, the Deputy Chairman of the group who is currently in prison in Belarus. Alina and Valiantsin Stefanovic have three children. Alina currently lives in the country of Georgia.

This award was presented by Oscar Isaac.