EU Prize For Human Rights Given To Mahsa Amini, The 22-Year-Old Iranian Woman Who Unleashed A Movement
The European Parliament remembered Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman whose death sparked a women-led movement against authoritarian grips in Iran. Amini, together with Iranian human rights groups, were awarded the Sakharov Prize on Tuesday to commemorate their ongoing fight.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola praised the groups for their work, saying “These women, with so many others, started a revolution.”
Amini’s family were not able to attend to receive the award, due to a travel ban imposed by the Iranian regime.
“Despite increasing pressure, they continue to fight for equality, dignity and freedom in Iran,” Metsola said.
The EU award, named after a Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, was created in 1988 to honour individuals or groups who defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Sakharov, who died in 1989, was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Congratulations to the 2023 winners of the #SakharovPrize for Freedom of Thought.
These women, with so many others, started a revolution.
Despite increasing pressure, they continue to fight for equality, dignity & freedom in Iran.
You are the future of Iran.
We are with you. pic.twitter.com/FX6IrJwjDd
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) December 12, 2023
The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize also went to an Iranian woman, imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi for her fight for women’s rights in Iran.
The European Parliament on Tuesday remembered a young woman who died in police custody in Iran last year, during a ceremony at which she and an Iranian human rights group were officially awarded the European Union’s top human rights prize.
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Who should win the prize next year?
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