Iranian security forces confiscated the Sakharov Prize from the late Mahsa Amini, according to a human rights organization. According to the Hengaw organization, based in Norway, Amini's lawyer, Mohammed Saleh-Nikbacht, wanted to present the European Parliament award in Iran to the young Kurdish woman's family. The lawyer was intercepted and questioned by authorities after arriving at Tehran airport.
His passport, his cell phone and the prize for Amini were confiscated. There was no official confirmation of Hengaw's information.
Amini and the associated freedom movement “Woman, Life, Freedom” were awarded the Sakharov Prize in mid-December. Iranian authorities prevented the deceased's family from accepting the award. The honor has been awarded by the EU Parliament since 1988 to personalities or organizations that work in defense of human rights and freedom of expression.
Amini was arrested by the notorious religious police last fall for an alleged violation of the Islamic dress code. The 22-year-old fell into a coma and died in police custody. His death triggered the most violent protests in the Islamic Republic in decades.