The De Lima family receives the "Prize for Freedom" award in their name

'FREEDOM PRICE & # 39; The Liberal International awards the prize of the "Freedom Award" to Senator Leila de Lima, detained. His son Israel and other members of his family receive the award on his behalf. Photo by Angie de Silva / Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Liberal International (LI), on Saturday, July 28, officially conferred on Senator Leila de Lima the prestigious "Freedom Award" award, her family receiving honor on it

"Human rights are for all, or they serve no purpose: the world is watching indeed, and the unfair detention of Leila de Lima will not be forgotten. .. Senator Leila de Lima, you received this award for speaking The Truth in Power, "said Juli Minoves at ceremonies held at the Novotel hotel in Quezon City on Saturday night.

Minoves said that it was the first time in almost ten years that the "Freedom Award" is awarded outside of Europe.

"In doing so, we are here to recognize the sacrifice of this remarkable prisoner of opinion," he added.

The eldest son of Senator, Israel Bohol, his brothers Vicente de Lima II and Caroline de Lima, and Aunt Lilia of Lima received the award

"To the extent that I personally wish to receive this prestigious ceremony I I am happy that my son and my brothers and sisters are here to represent me, "said De Lima in a statement sent to the media. Lima's brother read his speech on his behalf: "I am extremely and unconditionally blessed, so that there is no place in my heart for regrets or reminiscences, no place for them. wealthy, haves or have-nots. I am because I did the right thing. "

Later in his speech, De Lima said that while dictators, oppressors and abusers came and went," we, the defenders of the people, can never rest. "

" Although we must begin to teach a whole new generation So simple and so simple that human life and human rights are not opposed. That there is no dichotomy between the two. That one can not be defended by exchanging it with the other. That one can not claim to fight for human lives, while their hands are red with the blood of their victims. Anyone who suggests otherwise is no better than a wolf claiming to be a shepherd, and delivers the flock to the slaughter.

In addition to De Lima's family, some of his Liberal party mates were also present. Saturday, including President and Senator Francis Pangilinan, Vice President Leni Robredo and former President Benigno Aquino III

Former President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Leni Robredo are present at the award ceremony of the Freedom of De Lima Photo by Angie de Silva / Rappler

HONOR Members of the family of Senator Leila de Lima Ily pose for a photo after receiving the prize for "Freedom Award" from Liberal International. Photo by Alexa Cruz / Rappler

According to LI, a worldwide federation of liberal and progressive democratic parties based in London, De Lima received the award for his "outstanding contribution to the promotion of human rights" in the Philippines . [19659006] De Lima is the second Philippine to accept the recognition of former president Corazon Aquino, recognized in 1987 "for her world-renowned advocacy for democracy, peace and women's empowerment ".

De Lima, the most fervent critic of President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody anti-drug campaign, is detained at the PNP detention center in Camp Crame for drug charges that she claims to have been fabricated. The Supreme Court previously ruled against De Lima's request to cancel her arrest warrant on matters of jurisdiction of the case, thereby keeping her in jail. (READ: From Lima: One Year of Life and Survival in Prison)

In November 2017, politicians around the world voted to award the prize to De Lima at the 199th Executive Committee Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. South. 32 countries were registered to participate.

According to LI, the "Freedom Award" is awarded to "a well-known liberal conviction personality who has made outstanding efforts in defense of freedom and human rights."

blogger Raif Badawi (2016), Helen Suzman (2002), and Martin Lee (1996). The prize was awarded for the first time in 1986.

'Beacon of Hope & # 39;

Various groups and opposition colleagues congratulated the senator for receiving the award.

"It's a joy Senator De Lima, while she is persecuted at home, is celebrated internationally … She is the beacon of hope in a country immersed in the world. By the politics of revenge and the insatiable thirst for power of its political leaders. "Faced with massive extrajudicial killings, character assassination against his person, and imminent imprisonment based on the declaration Duterte when he took office, said the EveryWoman group in a statement

. That did not prevent him from speaking out against the policies of [Duterte]"said Libertarian Advocates Group for Philippine Progress, Incorporated.

" More than an individual reward, "he said. is a victory for the Filipino people w He inspired and was inspired by Senator De Lima's flawless defense of human rights and in particular by the most basic right to live … Senator De Lima embodies today what is best among us. "fighting to defend the rights of every Filipino, she spoke about the truth in power and paid with her freedom, even from behind bars, she continues to share her voice in defense of justice, democracy and the Filipino people, "said Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV

while he was detained. Thinker Prize for Foreign Policy, one of the most influential people for 2017 by Time Magazine, one of the women's rights defenders for 2017 by Amnesty International, and 39th plus Grand Chief of Fortune Magazine, among others. – Rappler.com