Maksym Butkevych becomes first Ukrainian to win Václav Havel Human Rights Prize

Ukrainian journalist and human rights defender Maksym Butkevych, recently freed from Russian captivity, has been awarded the prestigious Václav Havel Human Rights Prize by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

The prize was presented on Sept. 29 during PACE’s autumn plenary session in Strasbourg. It marks the first time a Ukrainian has received this honor. 

“He remains a powerful symbol of courage and resilience in defence of justice and freedom,” the organizers said.

The human rights advocate dedicated the prize to Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians illegally detained by Russia, as well as to all journalists deprived of their freedom under authoritarian regimes.

“Ukraine is defending not only its territorial integrity but also fundamental values. Our cooperation, our freedom, and our desire to live with mutual respect, dignity, and without fear are grounded in these values,” he said.

Butkevych is a co-founder of the ZMINA Human Rights Center and Hromadske Radio. In early 2022, he voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was captured by Russian forces, and was released in a prisoner exchange in October 2024.

The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize is awarded annually by PACE in partnership with the Václav Havel Library and the Charta 77 Foundation.

The award recognizes outstanding civil society work in the field of human rights in Europe and beyond. Laureates receive 60,000 euros, a commemorative prize, and a diploma.