The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, annually given by the European Union, has been awarded to Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, who died shortly after being arrested by Iranian authorities last year.
The prize, named after Andrei Sakharov, a Soviet human rights activist, has been awarded to those who stand up for human rights and personal freedom, since it began in 1988.
Other finalists for the award included Vilma Nunez de Escorcia and Roman Catholic Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who have been instrumental in human rights activism in Nicaragua, along with three women from Poland, El Salvador and the United States, who have been leaders in promoting “free, safe and legal abortions.”
Amini, 22, was arrested by Iranian morality police for allegedly violating Iran’s mandatory headscarf law; she died on Sept. 16, 2022, three days after her arrest.
“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,” EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola said in a statement. “By choosing them as laureates…this house remembers their struggle and continues to honor all those who have paid the ultimate price for liberty.”
Amini’s death, while reported by authorities to have come from existing medical issues, has been said by family and supporters to have been caused by injuries sustained during beatings by Iranian police.
Her death sparked outrage, causing protests primarily led by women under the rallying cry of “Woman, Life, Freedom.” The protests involved many women defying the headscarf law and removing the mandatory clothing piece, called the hijab.
