Chelsea Manning is another one with a high profile; when using the name Bradley, as a soldier in the US Army Chelsea leaked classified information to the public and was convicted for it. Bradley’s support committee says the revelations contributed to the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

Less known but widely praised: gynaecologist Denis Mukwege (photo) had to flee the Democratic Republic of Congo under threat of murder for helping raped women. He has since returned there from exile.

Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan has been cited as a good prospect for his role in Nigeria, promoting changes toward democracy.

Then there’s “Mama Maggie” Gobran, a Coptic Christian nun dubbed the Mother Teresa of Cairo for her services to the poor of all religions in the Egyptian capital.

Russia is presenting more names than any other country this year. Among them are three courageous defenders of human rights: Lyudmila Alexeyeva, Svetlanna Gannushkina and Lilya Shibanova.(…)

The field is wide open. The bets are on. This Friday we’ll know.

Source: www.euronews.com