The European Parliament announced that it is awarding the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Women, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran. Amini was arrested and tortured by the Islamic morality police for not wearing her hijab correctly. Three days after she was detained, she died in the hospital due to the physical violence suffered during her arrest. Her death sparked mass protests led by women in Iran.
"By choosing [Mahsa Amini and the Women, Life, Freedom Movement] as laureates for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2023, this House remembers their struggle and continues to honour all those who have paid the ultimate price for liberty," said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
A press release detailed that the Sakharov Prize award ceremony will take place on Dec. 13 in the European Parliament's chamber in Strasbourg. The award, which is named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov and has a cash prize of 50,000 euros (around $53,000), has been given each year since 1988 to honor people and organizations that defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.
On 16 September we marked one year since the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini in Iran. The European Parliament proudly stands with the brave and defiant who continue to fight for equality, dignity and freedom in Iran. We stand with those who, even from prison, continue to keep Women, Life and Freedom alive.
