On June 13, at GLOBSEC in Prague, I had the honour of presenting the 2024 Platform of European Memory and Conscience (PEMC) Prize to my dear friend, Vladimir Kara-Murza, a courageous Russian opposition leader, historian, and advocate for democracy, who I’ve known since 2009.
The award was presented by PEMC President Marek Mutor, and I had the privilege of delivering the laudation. Recognizing Vladimir in this setting was deeply meaningful. For years, he has spoken out against Putin’s authoritarian regime, defending democratic values and preserving the historical memory of Soviet crimes. His commitment has come at great personal cost — he is currently imprisoned in Russia, serving a 25-year sentence for his activism.
Despite these circumstances, Vladimir’s voice continues to inspire. Earlier this year, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for commentary written from prison, reminding us of the resilience of truth even in the darkest conditions.
Presenting this award was more than a ceremonial moment — it was an act of solidarity with Vladimir and all those who stand against authoritarianism. It was a reminder that the work of defending democracy and human rights is shared across borders, and that memory and conscience remain powerful tools in that fight.