Marko Martin Wins 2026 Werner Schulz Prize for Human Rights Advocacy
Writer and human rights advocate Marko Martin has won the 2026 Werner Schulz Prize. The €7,500 award recognizes his long-standing commitment to freedom and democracy. The ceremony will take place on January 22 in Berlin, where Martin now lives and works.
His recent criticism of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a high-profile event has drawn both attention and debate.
Born in 1970 in Burgstädt, Saxony, Martin grew up in East Germany. As a conscientious objector, he was denied higher education and left the country in May 1989. His early experiences shaped his later work on civil liberties and political dissent.
Martin’s writings include an essay collection on Israeli literature and a tribute to Tel Aviv. His public engagement has often centered on human rights, a theme that aligns with the values of the Werner Schulz Prize. The award commemorates Schulz, a former East German activist and Green Party politician known for his opposition to authoritarianism.
The recent controversy began at Bellevue Palace, where Martin delivered a speech on the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall. He openly criticized Steinmeier’s approach to Russia and Vladimir Putin. The remarks led to a direct but substantive exchange between the two men, highlighting tensions over Germany’s political stance.
Despite the disagreement, the prize committee emphasized Martin’s broader contributions. His work continues to focus on democratic principles, freedom of expression, and the defense of marginalized voices.
The Werner Schulz Prize will be presented to Martin in a formal ceremony next month. The award underscores his decades-long advocacy for human rights and democratic values. His recent clash with Steinmeier has further placed his views in the public eye, reinforcing the ongoing debate about Germany’s role in global politics.
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