More than a year after her death in Iran, the young Kurdish Mahsa Amini will be symbolically honored. The three largest political groups in the European Parliament nominated her today for the prestigious Sakharov Prize for Human Rights.
Amini, 22, died on September 16, 2022 after being arrested by the Iranian moral police for allegedly wearing a headscarf that was too loose. Her death triggered an unprecedented protest movement.
The award for Amini has the support of the European People’s Party (PPE), which includes the CDU and CSU. Social Democrats and liberals are also in favor of the tribute. Therefore, it is likely that she will receive the award posthumously in December.
American businessman Elon Musk is also on the list of nominees. The proposal comes from the far-right faction Identity and Democracy (ID). Musk bought Twitter (X) last year and presents himself as a defender of free speech.
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded for 35 years to individuals and organizations that promote human rights and freedom of expression. It is endowed with 50,000 euros. In October, the European Parliament intends to announce who will be honored this year.