And the winner is…Judge Goldstone
Photo: AFP
South African judge Richard Goldstone, author of a UN report alleging war crimes during the conflict in Gaza last year, won the Stockholm Human Rights Award Thursday.
The prize is awarded by the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC), the Swedish Bar Association and the International Bar Association for "an outstanding contribution to promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms."
The decision cited Goldstone's "extraordinary career" in promoting human rights, in his native South Africa and elsewhere.
Judge Goldstone was commissioned by the United Nations this year to look into Operation Cast Lead. His report, which accused Israel and armed Palestinian groups of "crimes war" prompted extensive criticism in Israel.
The United Nations General Assembly endorsed the report, and has handed it over to the UN Security Council.