Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards

Bishop Samuel Ruiz García, MEA Laureate 1997, passed away on 24 January 2011 at the age of 86.
Adama Dieng, who was the Chair at that time and is now a Patron of the MEA, expressed the feelings of all, stating: “What a sad news! I remember my visit to Mexico to during which I had the honor and privilege to hand the MEA to Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia. He was a courageous Human Rights Defender whose contribution made a great impact in the daily life of so many peoples in Mexico and particularly in the Chiapas. May his soul rests in peace.”
The MEA has expressed condolences to the Diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas as well as to the colleagues from the Human Rights Centre Fray Bartolome de Las Casas.