Liu Xiaobo Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony

With his Nobel Peace Prize diploma and medal positioned in his empty chair, imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo was provided a standing ovation on the award ceremony Friday as dignitaries demanded his release.

It was the very first time in 74 years the prestigious $1.4 million award was not handed through, due to the fact Liu is serving an 11-year sentence in China on subversion costs for urging sweeping adjustments to Beijing’s one-party communist political program.

China was infuriated when the 54-year-old literary critic won, describing the award as an attack on its political and legal system. Authorities have positioned Liu’s supporters, like his wife, Liu Xia, beneath house arrest to forestall anyone from finding up his prize.

In his speech, Norwegian Nobel Committee Chairman Thorbjorn Jagland referred to as for Liu’s release, getting an unusual standing ovation at the global gathering.

“He has not done anything wrong. He must be released,This fact alone shows that the award was necessary and appropriate,” Jagland said.

Liu’s Nobel diploma and medal were placed on the empty chair marking his absence.

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