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Famous Azerbaijani human rights activist and prisoner of conscience Anar Mammadly, who is in custody in Baku, will receive award of Vaclav Havel today for his outstanding achievements in the fight for human rights, reports Azerbaijani service of "Radio Liberty".

Presentation of Human Rights Prize after Czech President Vaclav Havel will be held today in Strasbourg for the second time after the establishment of the premium. The award for outstanding achievements in the fight for human rights can be given to activists and non-governmental organizations.

Recently 3 finalists were named in Prague: the Israeli human rights organization B'tselem, protecting the rights of the Palestinians, the international organization of Jesuit located in Malta and protecting the rights of refugees, asylum-seekers, and the third was Azerbaijani human rights activist Anar Mammadly.

Last year, the winner of Havel became Belarusian opposition and human rights activist Ales Bialiatski who was then imprisoned.
The finalists were selected from 56 applicants. Prize amount is 79 000 dollars.

According to "Radio Liberty", the head of the Election Monitoring Center and democracy training Anar Mammadly was arrested on December 17, in 2013. He was sentenced by the Baku Court of Grave Crimes to 5.5 years in prison on charges of illegal business, use of official status and tax evasion.

Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center monitored the presidential election on October 9, in 2013 as a non-governmental organization and registered numerous law violations. A number of human rights activists said that Anar Mammadly is arrested for it. Amnesty International announced Anar Mammadly prisoner of conscience.