Zbigniew Rau said in a tweet: "The list of this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureates is an unequivocal tribute to the activities in the fight against totalitarianism, the protection of human rights and civil freedoms. Congratulations to Ales Bialiatski, Memorial Moscow and the Centre for Civil Liberties."
In a separate tweet, the Polish foreign ministry sent "compliments and congratulations to this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureates."
It said it welcomed "the fact that their efforts in the struggle for freedom and respect for human rights have been recognised."
Norwegian Nobel Committee head Berit Reiss-Andersen, who announced this year's winners, said the panel wanted to honour "three outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful co-existence in the neighbour countries Belarus, Russia and Ukraine."
Berit Reiss-Andersen, head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, announces the winners of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on Friday, October 7, 2022. Photo: EPA/HEIKO JUNGE
The Norwegian Nobel Committee said in its citation that "the Peace Prize laureates represent civil society in their home countries" and "have for many years promoted the right to criticise power and protect the fundamental rights of citizens."
"They have made an outstanding effort to document war crimes, human right abuses and the abuse of power. Together they demonstrate the significance of civil society for peace and democracy," it added.
The Nobel Peace Prize, worth 10 million Swedish crowns, or about USD 900,000, will be presented in Oslo on December 10, the Reuters news agency reported.
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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters