The First Step Forum (FSF) awarded the first Shahbaz Bhatti Freedom Award posthumously to the late federal minister for minorities Shahbaz Bhatti. His brother, Dr Paul Bhatti, adviser to prime minister on interfaith harmony, received the award on his behalf at a dinner in Brussels, said a press release here on Sunday. The second award was presented to Dr Hany Hanna of Egypt on the same occasion for his services for human rights and democracy in the country. Dr Hanna is known as a preacher of revolution and is highly respected in the present situation in Egypt.
Former Norwegian prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik and German CDU Secretary General Hermann Groehe were among those present at the award dinner. The FSF will present the award once a year to a person rendering meritorious services for human rights, democracy and religious liberty.
