The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the highest tribute paid by the European Union to human rights work. It gives recognition to individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to protecting freedom of thought. Through the prize and its associated network the EU assists laureates, who are supported and empowered in their efforts to defend their causes. This year, the award goes to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran. Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

Human rights (T2)

ceremony

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2023 (T)

Award of the 2023 Sakharov Prize: Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Today we honour the 2023 laureates of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. These are Jina Mahsa Amini and the Women, Life, Freedom Movement of Iran. It is with regret that I must inform you that Ms. Jina Mahsa Amini family were stopped from leaving Iran last Saturday and are under a travel ban imposed by the Iranian regime.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Their treatment is another example of what the people of Iran face every day. Let me say that the courage and resilience of Iranian women in their fight for justice, liberty and human rights will not be stopped. Their voices cannot be silenced and while they are not here today, their presence will be felt.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, We are joined by Mr. Saleh Nikbakht, the Amini family lawyer who was with us in Parliament representing them, of Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shaninkar, now representing the Women, Life, Freedom Movement, are with us, too. They have also paid a very high price for their fight. It has also welcomed Sakharov Prize finalists and the representative here in the visitors gallery.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, From the United States and from Nicaragua, we have Dr. Colleen McNicholas, as well as Father Uriel Vallejos and Ms. Sara Henríquez, representing Monsignor Rolando José Alvárez and Ms. Vilma Nuñez de Escórcia. But also like to acknowledge the presence of Venezuelan opposition activist Lorent Saleh in the visitors gallery.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Lorent was detained by the Venezuelan authorities for his defence of human rights and was imprisoned when we awarded the Sakharov Prize to the Venezuelan opposition in 2017. And his presence here today is a testament to his resilience and courage. The European Parliament thanks you all for your unwavering dedication to protect human rights. We stand with you in solidarity for a world where freedom and equality are not just ideals, but realities for us all.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Dear colleagues, upholding the dignity of every individual remains a global challenge. Universal acceptance of human rights is not a given. But for 35 years now, the European Parliament has played a part in defending human rights with the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The prize recognises individuals, groups and organisations that have made outstanding contributions in this fields, and many have done so at great risk.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Some have paid with their lives, as did Jina Mahsa Amini. Jina was 22 years old. She was a daughter, a sister, a student, a young woman with dreams and ambition for a better life. On the 13th of September 2022, she was arrested and severely beaten for wearing her hijab incorrectly. She died of her injuries three days later, leaving behind horrible injustice imposed by oppressive forces curtailing basic freedoms. But her voice was carried around the world by women, men, students, academics, people from all walks of life on the streets of Iran.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, This was the beginning of the Women Life, Freedom, movement, values that we must never take for granted. Since her killing, hundreds more protesters have reportedly been killed and thousands have been detained. Afsoon, we honour your sister Hadis's memory and we support you in your plea for justice. Justice for her, for you, and for the thousands in Iran fighting every day for dignity.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Mersedeh, we praise your determination and perseverance in your struggle. In spite of sustaining traumatic injury and abuse, your daughter watching you now from the gallery can be proud of you and look towards her future with hope. Thanks to you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Please know, as you can see with this room, with our colleagues, that your willingness to stand up for your friends, for your family members who were killed or arrested inspire us all. And your bravery in calling out abuse and injustice is held up as an example across the globe. Please know that you are not alone, that this house is your home and that your courage will win because your cause is right.