Mission of the award
The Anton Srholec Freedom Award honours civic courage and service to democracy and human rights.
The award of the President of the Trnava Self-Governing Region is conferred on public figures for their outstanding contribution to the protection of human rights, to strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and for acts of exceptional civic courage.
2018
The first edition launched the tradition of conferring the award in the Trnava Region.
17 November
The award is linked to the Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy.
Public award
It is conferred by the President of the Trnava Self-Governing Region.
“We are convinced that our debt to history, including modern history, must be repaid actively. That means, for example, honouring courageous individuals and inspiring people who speak to us through their stories. The award is an expression of our deep esteem, gratitude and respect. At the same time, it expresses our commitment to reflect more deeply on our present and on the kind of world we leave to future generations.”
History of the award
Seven editions and 33 laureates since the award was established in 2018.
The Anton Srholec Freedom Award was first conferred in 2018. Further editions took place in 2019 and from 2021 to 2025. In total, seven editions have been held and 33 laureates have received the award.
The award was not conferred in 2020 due to measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award also includes a work of art created by the academic sculptor Jozef Kurinec, who drew inspiration from the photographs of the American photographer E. Muybridge. The work depicts the overcoming of obstacles in time and space, with the sculpture forming a symbolic arch that serves as a bridge.
The award particularly highlights
- the protection of human rights
- strengthening democracy and the rule of law
- exceptional civic courage
Selection process
Laureates are selected in clearly defined steps, from nomination to the formal announcement.
- 01
Nominations
Proposals for the award are submitted by members of the Council of the Trnava Self-Governing Region.
- 02
Expert assessment
The relevant departments of the Office of the Trnava Self-Governing Region then review the proposals received, and candidates are selected on the basis of established criteria. These criteria include, for example, the significance of their deeds, their courage, their perseverance in the face of obstacles and their impact on society.
- 03
Decision of the President
Pursuant to Generally Binding Regulation No. 48/2019 on the conferral of public awards of the TTSK, the President of the Trnava Self-Governing Region confers this award at his own discretion, taking into account proposals from members of the Regional Council, councillors’ caucuses, town and municipal councils in the Region, civic associations, institutions and citizens of the Slovak Republic.
- 04
Formal announcement
The results are then announced at a gala evening and published on our website.