The European Parliament recently awarded the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to two particularly notable winners: Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian woman who died in police detention, and the Women, Life, Freedom women’s movement in Iran . This distinction is the EU’s highest human rights award.
Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish girl, tragically lost her life last year after being arrested by police for a simple offense related to her ill-fitting veil. Her death was a turning point in Iran’s history, sparking a movement led by women demanding equality, dignity and freedom in the country. The slogan “Woman Life Freedom” became a rallying cry and mobilized thousands of people who defied the repression of Iranian political and religious power.
The uprising, which continued in different forms, is considered one of the biggest challenges to Iranian authorities since the 1979 revolution. Hundreds of people lost their lives and thousands were arrested in the brutal crackdown demonstrations. Despite the risks, these courageous women continue to fight for their rights and for a fairer future in Iran.
The European Parliament strongly condemned the repression carried out by the Iranian authorities and described the human rights situation in the country as “desperate”. In order to support the “Women’s Life and Freedom” movement and put pressure on the regime, sanctions were imposed by the US, EU and UK against politicians and members of the Iranian security forces, as well as certain companies in the country.
This Sakharov Prize, worth 50,000 euros, is official recognition of the courage and determination of the laureates in defending human rights and fundamental freedoms in Iran. It is named after Andrei Sakharov, Soviet dissident and nuclear physicist, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975.
By recognizing the work of Mahsa Amini and the Women, Life, Freedom movement, the European Parliament sends a strong message of solidarity with Iranian women and support for their struggle for equality and freedom. It is also an opportunity to highlight the precarious human rights situation in Iran and raise public awareness about this cause.
This award is one of many actions taken to advance human rights in Iran and end the regime’s repression. As global citizens, we have a duty to support these extraordinary women and make their voices heard, so that their fight for freedom is successful.