Mahsa Amini awarded EU human rights prize

Mahsa Amini, the Iranian-Kurd who died in police custody in Tehran last year, has been given the Sakharov Prize, the EU’s top award for human rights.

The prize is awarded by the European Parliament to individuals and groups for defending freedom of thought and human rights.

Ms Amini’s death triggered mass protests and the creation of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, which EU organisers described as “woman-led” activism that “created history”.

EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that 22-year-old Amini’s death “marked a turning point,” the Women, Life, Freedom uprising which followed, posing the gravest challenge to the regime since it came to power in 1979.

“The 16 September 2022 is a date that will live in infamy and the brutal murder of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini marked a turning point. It has triggered a women-led movement that is making history,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said after announcing the winner.

“The world has heard the chants of “women, life, liberty”, three words that have become a rallying cry for all those standing up for equality, for dignity and for freedom in Iran.

“So let’s today’s prize serve as a tribute to the brave and defiant women, men and young people of Iran who despite coming under increasing pressure are leading the push for change. The European Parliament hears you, the world sees you and we are with you,” she added.