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The Belarusian opposition leader, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, has been awarded the Sakharov prize from the European Parliament. The award honours those who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom of thought.

Belarus has been gripped by four months of unprecedented anti-government demonstrations that erupted after a disputed presidential election in August which, according to official results, saw long-time President Alexander Lukashenko claim a sixth term in office with almost 80 percent of the vote.

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Newsday what hopes she has for the country from which she has fled.

(Pic: Belarus’ opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya looks on while receiving the Sakharov Human Rights prize at European Parliament in Brussels; Credit: EPA)