The organization, whose full name is Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), has since the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011 documented mass atrocities and collected evidence of war crimes.
The following year, several employees of the organization, including program manager Mazen Darwish, were imprisoned and tortured.
I was the last one to be released, after three years and eight months, he says in a press release.
Today, SCM operates in exile from France, with employees around the world. The organization works by collecting evidence and filing police reports in various Western countries, with the aim of obtaining international arrest warrants for Syrian officials.
According to the human rights organization Civil Rights Defenders, which awards the prize, it is SCM's tireless struggle against oppression that makes it deserving of this year's prize.
"In a country where the truth can cost you your freedom – or your life – the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression has never been silenced", writes the board in its motivation.
In a comment, the now award-winning organization writes that the recognition acknowledges its commitment and underscores its responsibility to continue the struggle for freedom and rights for Syrians.
