Beck Prize for Sherbakova and Navalnaya
The Ludwig Beck Prize for Civil Courage of the state capital Wiesbaden has been awarded to the Russian historian and journalist Dr. Irina Scherbakowa and the Russian human rights activist Julia Nawalnaja for the year 2025. The prize for civic courage goes to Johann Zernickel and Andrej Belosludov.
Dr. Irina Scherbakowa
Irina Scherbakowa was honored for her long-standing commitment as a founding member of the Russian human rights organization Memorial. The historian is committed to investigating and shedding light on the crimes of Soviet political tyranny. She is considered the voice of the freedom movement in Russia and is committed to a democratic Russia and reconciliation. After Russia's attack on Ukraine, Scherbakowa left her homeland. She has been living in exile in Germany since July 2022.
Julia Navalnaya
Julia Navalnaya was honored for her many years of support for her husband, opposition politician Alexei Navalny, until his death. She stands up for the fundamental values of the UN Charter of Human Rights, putting her freedom and her life at risk. In this way, she continues her husband's political struggle and is committed to freedom, democracy, and peace.
Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe MendeWiesbaden sees itself as a city of responsibility, remembrance and attitude. This year's award winners embody this legacy in an impressive way. Both stand for the courage not to bow to public repression.
About the Ludwig Beck Prize
With the Ludwig Beck Prize for Civil Courage, the city honors individuals, institutions, or associations from around the world who have shown exceptional civil courage in their commitment to the common good, peaceful coexistence, social justice, and the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law. The award is endowed with 10,000 euros.
Award for civic courage: Johann Zernickel and Andrej Belosludov
Since 2011, the Civic Courage Award has been presented to individuals, associations, and institutions from Wiesbaden who have shown exceptional commitment to helping others.
The award, which comes with a prize of €2,500, went to Johann Zernickel and Andrej Belosludov in 2025. They were nominated by Felix Paschek, then Chief of Police of West Hesse. In April 2024, Zernickel and Belosludov saved a neighbor from a knife attack. Zernickel pulled the attacker away from the neighbor and held him until the police arrived. Meanwhile, Belosludov secured the knife that the attacker had dropped and administered first aid. The seriously injured neighbor was taken to the hospital after the police and emergency services arrived and underwent successful surgery.
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Office of the magistrate
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Schlossplatz 6
65183 Wiesbaden
Postal address
65029 Wiesbaden
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Notes on public transport
Bus stop Dern'sches Gelände, Luisenplatz and Wilhelmstraße.
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- +49 611 313907
Information on accessibility
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