Ukrainian people win EU human rights prize

The European Parliament has awarded the people of Ukraine its annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in recognition of their brave resistance to Russia's invasion, news agencies have reported.

Members of the European Parliament during a voting session in Strasbourg, France on October 5, 2022.

Photo: EPA/JULIEN WARNAND

"They are standing up for what they believe in, fighting for our values, protecting democracy, freedom and rule of law, risking their lives for us," European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said as she announced the winner on Wednesday.

"There is no one more deserving of this prize," she added.

They are standing up for what they believe in.

Fighting for our values.

Protecting democracy, freedom & rule of law.

Risking their lives for us.

And today proud winners of @Europarl_EN #SakharovPrize.

No one is more deserving.

Congratulations to the brave people of Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/SORmU2DSbA

— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) October 19, 2022

The Sakharov Prize, named after the late Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, has been awarded since 1988 “to honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms."

The award comes with prize money of EUR 50,000, which will be distributed among representatives of Ukrainian civil society, the Reuters news agency reported.

MEPs have awarded the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society, the 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Press release: https://t.co/hZ3hOAG3Tv pic.twitter.com/XJSS9srDCs

— European Parliament (@Europarl_EN) October 19, 2022

The 2022 Sakharov Prize will be presented at a ceremony in Strasbourg, France, on December 14.

Thursday is day 239 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters