05/06/2024
In Memory of Victoria Amelina: A Voice of Resilience and Freedom
Victoria Amelina, a celebrated Ukrainian writer and human rights activist, tragically lost her life in a missile attack in Ukraine in June 2023. As we gather in Berlin on the 29th of June, we honor her memory and continue her fight for freedom and justice.
Victoria stood in solidarity with the Iranian resistance, recognizing the shared struggles of the Ukrainian and Iranian people. In her speech at the Free Iran event in 2022, she drew parallels between the Ukrainian revolution and the Iranian fight for freedom. "It is better to die free than to live as slaves," she declared, embodying the courage and determination that defined her life and work.
Victoria believed deeply in justice. Her call for an international tribunal to prosecute war crimes reflects her unwavering commitment to accountability, not only for Ukraine but for all oppressed peoples.
As we gather in Berlin, we do so to carry forward her legacy. We unite in our common struggle against tyranny and oppression, drawing strength from her words: "Be brave like Ukraine, but also be brave like the Resistance of Iran."
Let us remember Victoria Amelina not just as a victim of war, but as a beacon of hope and resilience. In her memory, we pledge to continue the fight for a world where freedom and justice prevail.
Victoria Amelina, Ukrainian Novelist and Activist, Winner of the Joseph Conrad Literary Award