A prestigious German rights prize will not be awarded this year after organisers were heavily criticised for giving it to Russian PM Vladimir Putin. The Quadriga Prize is given annually to "role models who are committed to enlightenment, commitment and welfare". The decision to give it to Mr Putin was angrily received by his critics, who said it made a mockery of the award. Former Czech President Vaclav Havel had threatened to return his own prize in protest at last week's announcement.