The Nigerian doctor, human rights activist and patron of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Beko Kuti, who is imprisoned by the Nigerian military government, will be honoured by the human rights award by the city of Weimar in December 10th, 1997.

Beko Kuti was chosen for the award because of his pro-democracy position and struggle towards availability of medical care to everyone in his country, which is presently confined only to the rich. In July 1995 Beko Kuti was sentenced to lifelong imprisonment without public trial. Global opposition helped to preserve his life and to convert the sentence to a 15 year sentence. Though his physical condition is bad, Dr. Kuti refused medical care.

The preamble of the award states that "in many countries threads to life and limb or personal freedom belong to their everyday situation" and "still, countless people have to suffer from persecution through governments. But there were always and still are people even with their lives at stake, who resist the oppression and violence." like Dr. Beko Kuti.

"This award might help to safe Kuti's life", expects Christian Kissner of the "Free Beku Kuti Campaign". "His position in the pro-democracy movement is crucial and his liberation would be one great step towards democracy and the liberation of Nigeria."