EU -Sakharov

The late Jina Mahsa Amini and the protest movement Woman, Life, Freedom Movement triggered by her death, were awarded the European Parliament’s human rights prize, the Sakharov Prize, announced by Parliament on its website on Thursday. 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini lost consciousness in the custody of the Iranian morality police and lay in a coma for three days before her death on September 16, 2022.
     She had been arrested because, according to Iranian authorities, her hijab did not cover her hair well enough. According to the family, she died from blows to her head and body. Authorities have said she died as a result of pre-existing health problems. Following her death, Iran has seen some of the biggest protests against the country’s theocratic rule since it seized power after a revolution in 1979.
     ʺOn 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. We stand with those who, even from prison, continue to keep Women, Life and Freedom alive. By choosing them as laureates for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2023, this House remembers their struggle and continues to honour all those who have paid the ultimate price for liberty,ʺ European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said. /ritzau/