Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina posthumously honored for stance on freedom of speech

The International Publishers Association (IPA) has posthumously bestowed Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina the special Prix Voltaire award for her outstanding contribution to the fight for freedom of speech, as reported by the Vydavnytstvo Staroho Leva publishing house.  

Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Center for Civil Liberties, accepted the award on Amelina’s behalf at the 34th International Publishers Congress in Mexico, which took place on Dec. 4-6.  

“The Prix Voltaire serves as a reminder to the world of Victoria Amelina’s exceptional role as a writer, activist, and human rights defender, leaving a lasting impact on literature and the fight for freedom of speech,” stated the publishing house.  

The Prix Voltaire is awarded posthumously to honor the laureate’s struggle for freedom of expression, highlighting the suppression of this fundamental right.  

“…I am deeply saddened that Vika (Victoria) cannot receive her award herself. But the bridges she built between Ukraine and the world are still standing strong, and this is felt very deeply here at this international congress of authors and publishers from all over the world,” said Matviichuk upon accepting the award.  

A native of Lviv, Amelina was a distinguished Ukrainian author, with works including the novels “Syndrome of November, or Homo Compatiens”, “Someone, or Water Heart”, and children’s books “E-e-excavator Eki Stories” and “A House for Doma”.  

After the all-out Russian invasion began, she joined the human rights organization Truth Hounds to document war crimes in Ukraine’s liberated territories.  

Amelina was tragically killed by a Russian missile strike on Kramatorsk on July 1, 2023.