STOCKHOLM (AP) — The Right Livelihood Award — known as the "Alternative Nobel" — is appealing on Saudi Arabia to free three jailed human rights defenders and recipients of this year's prize.
The foundation also urges that the kingdom stop "harassing and killing those who fight" for democracy. Ole von Uexkull, foundation head, says the three jailed Saudi men had "acted through peaceful means."
Created in 1980, the annual Right Livelihood Award honors efforts that the prize founder, Swedish-German philanthropist Jakob von Uexkull, felt were being ignored by the Nobel prizes.
In September, the 1 million kronor ($110) cash award was given to Abdullah al-Hamid, Mohammad Fahad al-Qahtani and Waleed Abu al-Khair. The honorary award was given to two Latin American anti-corruption crusaders.
The award ceremony is planned in Stockholm next week.
