Well-known Ingush human rights defender Magomed Mutsolgov is one of the winners of the 2010 Moscow Helsinki Group Awards for Human Rights.

The Moscow Helsinki Group, a non-governmental Russian human rights organization, began its award project for the first time last year. In 2009, the Moscow Helsinki Group awarded musician Yury Shevchuk and human rights defender Natalya Estemirova, with the award to Natalya Estemirova being given posthumously. This year the prizes were awarded in ten categories and the winners were published on November 30th. According to the information, 41 candidates were nominated for this year’s awards.

The award ceremony was held in Moscow on December 5th. Lyudmila Alekseeva, head of the Moscow Helsinki Group, expressed hope that the awards would become a regular annual event.

The names of this year’s winners are: Magomed Mutsolgov, Viktor Shenderovich, Yury Shmidt, Evgeniya Chirikova, Vadim Karastelev, Zoya Svetova, Liubov Volkova, Anatoly Kononov, Sergei Buryanov and Ella Polyakova.

Ingush human rights defender Magomed Mutsolgov was awarded for his success in developing and managing human rights organizations.

Magomed Mutsolgov was born on June 8, 1973. He has been the head of Ingush human rights organization “MASHR” since 2005. In addition to having a law degree, he is married and has a son. He lives in the city of Karabulak, Ingushetia. He is actively engaged in social and human rights issues since 2003.

The “MASHR” human rights organization was established in the spring of 2005 by the relatives of kidnapped people in Ingushetia. Magomed Mutsolgov was elected as its head.

The main objectives of the organization:

-Providing free legal services in the Republic of Ingushetia
-Observing the human rights situation and keeping an eye on freedom in the territory of Ingushetia
-Promoting and implementing the ideals of peace, humanity, compassion and respect for all people

*Text was written by Magomed Barakhoev for Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco