The 2025 Democracy Service Medal was bestowed posthumously to Oswaldo Payá in recognition of his life’s work and sacrifice advocating for democratic freedoms in Cuba.

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NED is honoring Vladimir Kara-Murza, imprisoned Russian opposition leader, with the Democracy Service Medal for his support for truth and democracy in Russia.

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NED is honoring Evgenia Kara-Murza with the Democracy Service Medal for her international advocacy on behalf of Russian political prisoners and their families.

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NED is honoring Sikyong Penpa Tsering, with the Democracy Service Medal for his leadership defending democracy and human rights on behalf of all Tibetans. 

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NED honors Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya with the Democracy Service Medal for her leadership and personal sacrifice to defend democracy over authoritarianism.

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NED is honoring Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell with the Democracy Service Medal for his distinguished leadership in support of freedom and defense of democracy champions.

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NED is honoring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi with the Democracy Service Medal for her outspoken support for democracy advocates around the world.

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On November 14, 2023, NED honored Bishop Silvio José Báez Ortega, O.C.D. of Nicaragua with the Democracy Service Medal for his work for religious freedom.

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NED awarded the Democracy Service Medal to President Tsai Ing-wen in honor of her historic achievements and contributions advancing democracy and human rights in Taiwan and around the world.

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The International Forum for Democratic Studies and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) honored Larry Diamond with NED’s Democracy Service Medal.

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