Young Iranian Mahsa Amini and the movement “Women, Life and FreedomThe song “In which they protested the laws that discriminate against women in Iran following the death of Amini” won the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Conscience, given by the European Parliament this Thursday.
“The brutal murder of Mahsa Amini became a turning point. It set in motion a movement that became historic, led by women. The world heard the cry of ‘Women, Life and Freedom’, which became the slogan of the defenders. equality, dignity and freedom In Iran,” the president of the European Parliament announced to the chamber. Roberta Metsola.
After the long applause of the MEPs, Metsola asked for the award to be “given as” A tribute to brave and challenging women, men and young people They are leading the effort for change despite increasing pressure in Iran.
“The European Parliament is listening to you, the world sees you and we are with you,” said the president of the European Parliament.
Amini, who died in police custody just over a year ago after being detained by the so-called morality police for not wearing the Islamic veil, was nominated by the three main groups in the European Parliament – the people, social democrats and liberals. And was the clear favorite to win the posthumous award with the movement that emerged after his death.
Sakharov Prize, 50,000 euros, It rewards an outstanding contribution to the protection of freedom of conscience and represents the highest award paid by the European Union for its work in the field of human rights.
Representatives of the movement will receive the award at a ceremony to be held at the general assembly meeting in December. Strasbourg (France).
Amini’s death sparked months of strong protests calling for an end to the Islamic Republic, only to fade away after a while. oppression what caused 500 deadat least get arrested 22,000 people and the incident in which seven protesters were executed, including one in public.
Nicaraguans became finalists in this edition Vilma Nunez de Escorcia, Director of the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights and Monsignor Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, Fighting against the Daniel Ortega regime for the rights of their country’s population, he is currently in prison for refusing to leave the country.
Three women fighting for legal, safe and free abortion also became finalists: Polish Justyna Wydrzynskasalvadorian Morena Herrera and American Colleen McNichols.