Lavon Volski receives Freemuse Award 2016 in Stockholm

Belarusian rock musician Lavon Volski on May 8 was at the Eurovision village in Stockholm to receive the Freemuse Award 2016. The Belarusian artiste was recognized for his outstanding work for "freedom of musical expression."

Freemuse executive director Ole Reitov explained at the ceremony why Eurovision decided to highlight the story about the banned musicians. "Belarus has the winner but he is banned in his country just like the previous Freemuse award holder Remy Esam in his country (Egypt), reports Radio Svaboda.

When receiving the award, Volski expressed gratitude for attention to his persona, musical career and his cause for democratic values. His speech was translated by Stefan Ericsson, former Sweden's ambassador to Belarus.

Volski: "I want you to understand once again that there is a serious problem wth the freedom of expression in Belarus. I dedicate this award to my wife Hanna who left this world recently."