Readers may remember the Austrian animal rights advocate Martin Balluch, one of 13 activists charged in 2009 with forming a criminal network responsible for damage to property, arson, gas attacks and bomb threats.  After a brutal arrest and three months in remand custody for ten of the activists, and a court case lasting nearly 14 months, the 13 were exonerated on all counts in March 2011 and the police department castigated for its behaviour in gathering ‘evidence’.

We have received some splendid news from Martin:

Dear All,
I am delighted to inform you that the international committee of the Myschkine Prize, an international award for ethical work in progress, has chosen to recognise animal advocacy work by awarding me the prize for this year!  The award recognises our achievements in animal welfare in Austria and is in stark contrast to the criminal procedures pursued against us.

This international recognition means a great deal to me, especially after our ordeal with the Austrian authorities.  The award comes with 50,000 euros and a sculpture.  Stéphane Hessel, human rights advocate, co-writer of the UN human rights charter and anti-Nazi resistance fighter during World War II in France, received an award for his long life's achievements.

The award ceremony was held on January 30 in the Theatre de l'Odeon in Paris.

All the best to you and thank you for your support.

-   Martin Balluch

Martin with his Myschkine Prize sculpture