The May 18 Memorial Foundation ^[1] in Gwangju, Korea proclaimed Mr. Muneer A. Malik a Karachi based practicing lawyer as the winner for the 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights and the award will be conferred to Mr. Muneer A. Malik on May 18th 2008 in a ceremony to commemorate the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising (Wikipedia: Gwangju Massacre ^[2]) The prize award includes a gold medal, a certificate of achievement and US $ 50,000.00.

Mr. Muneer A. Malik was the former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association who has played an enormous role in the struggle of the lawyers, judges and the rest of the citizens of Pakistan for the independence of the judiciary. Under his leadership he was able to mobilize lawyers and the people to fight the repression imposed by President Musharraf when he declared an emergency and ousted several chief justices and judges. In the 1980’s Mr. Malik had been in the forefront of the struggle against the military rule of then President Zia Ul Haq. Mr. Malik was recipient of the 2006 Dorab Patel Award given by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights ^[3] is an award given to individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad that have contributed in promoting and advancing human rights, democracy and peace in their work. The award is given by the Gwangju people in the spirit of solidarity and gratitude from those whom they have received help in their struggle for democratization and search for truth.

Links: 518 International Solidarity Blog ^[4] | 5-18 Memorial Foundation ^[1] | Teeth Maestro ^[5]