Lyudmila Alexeyeva symbol of honesty, uncompromising struggle for human rights - Moskalkova
MOSCOW. Dec 8 (Interfax) - Lyudmila Alexeyeva will forever remain a symbol of the uncompromising struggle for human rights and justice, Russian ombudsman Tatyana Moskalkova said.
"A big misfortune has befallen all of Russia. For all the people who did, do and will value democracy, freedom and human rights, Lyudmila Mikhailovna always was and will remain a symbol of honesty and of the uncompromising struggle for human, justice and the high sense of dignity," Moskalkova told Interfax on Saturday.
"I send my sincerest condolences to her relatives, loved ones, friends and colleagues, human rights commissioners in Russian regions - each one of us learnt from her very many things in order to find the core and strength even when the public and authorities are saying that nothing can be done," Moskalkova said,
Alexeyeva profoundly believed it was her duty to fight for human rights and fought to the last, she said.
"She was a great educator, not just a human rights fighter, but she also did awareness work, explaining the meaning of defending human rights and the need to restore them. I am sure many Russian citizens perceive this misfortune as a personal loss and hope her school will continue and strengthen," Moskalkova said.
Last year Alexeyeva was honored with a presidential award for outstanding achievements in human rights, which shows that she was highly regarded by the government as well as civil society, Moskalkova said.