In a joint secret vote in the Foreign Affairs and Development committees and the Human Rights Subcommittee, MEPs will choose the three finalists for this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Chair, Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE), DEVE Chair and Udo BULLMAN (S&D, DE), DROI Chair annouce officially the three finalists: Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran, Vilma Núñez de Escorcia and Monsignor Rolando José Álvarez Lagos from Nicaragua, Women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska - Poland, Morena Herrera - El Salvador, and Colleen McNicholas - United States. The winner will be chosen by Parliament’s Conference of Presidents on 19 October.

Committee on Foreign Affairs

statement

Subcommittee on Human Rights

vote

McALLISTER, David (EPP, DE)

Committee on Development

BULLMANN, Udo (S&D, DE)

TOBÉ, Tomas (EPP, SE)

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2023 (T)

Announcement of the 3 finalists for Sakharov Prize 2023: statements by David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Chair, Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE), DEVE Chair and Udo BULLMAN (S&D, DE), DROI Chair

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/72670583/1697039931015_I247559Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

Atmosphere in the meeting room prior to the in camera meeting (10 shots)

SOUNDBITE in EN, Udo BULLMAN (S&amp;D, DE), DROI Chair, Today we have shortlisted three inspiring candidates for this year. The Sakharov Prize will recognise their work and invaluable commitment to human rights and freedom of thought. Parliament's prize reaffirms that the protection and promotion of human rights are and will always be at the heart of the European Union's values. Let me underline that the Sakharov Prize is not only a symbolic act. On the day of the award ceremony, it is a political commitment by Parliament to stand by the laureates in the long run and to support their causes and to defend tirelessly as it is enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union Human rights.

SOUNDBITE in EN, David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Chair, The first nominee is Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman Life Freedom Movement in Iran. In recognition of their brave efforts to stand up for women's rights. Jina Mahsa Amini was arrested and beaten by the so-called moral police for wearing the hijab the wrong way. Her death, a few days later, sparked massive protests in Iran under the slogan Woman, Life, Freedom. Women have been protesting against the hijab law, calling for civil rights for all women and the end to oppression, discrimination, tyranny and dictatorship they are facing by the regime.

SOUNDBITE in EN, David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Chair edited, The second nominee is Vilma N&uacute;&ntilde;ez de Escorcia and Monsignor Rolando Jos&eacute; &Aacute;lvarez Lagos from Nicaragua, who have both been subjects of retaliatory actions by the Nicaraguan authorities for their actions to defend human rights and being outspoken critics of the Ortega regime. In February this year, they were stripped of their Nicaraguan nationalities. In addition, Monsignor Alvarez likewise has been arbitrarily sentenced to 26 years in prison. Ms.Nunez Garcia remains in Nicaragua, despite being deprived of her assets, pension and medical care rights.

SOUNDBITE in EN, David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Chair, The third nominee is women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion. Justyna Wydrzyńska from Poland, Morena Herrera from El Salvador and Colleen McNichols from the United States as a representation of all women who are fighting for universal access to free, legal and safe abortion. Ms.Wydrzyńska is a women's rights defender and member of the abortion Dream Team, who was sentenced to eight months community service for helping a woman obtain an abortion in Poland. Ms. Herrera is a feminist and social activist advocating for safe and legal abortion access in El Salvador. Ms. McNichols is an American obstetrician, gynaecologist with a strong track record of impactful reproductive health advocacy. Let me underline that Parliament stands with all of those around the world who dedicate their lives to defending democratic values.

SOUNDBITE in EN, Tomas TOBE (EPP, SE), DEVE Chair, This is an important opportunity to show the strong support of our Parliament to those individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage in defending human rights and fundamental freedoms, often risking their own lives and freedom. Following the shortlists established by our committees this morning, the President of the Parliament and the leaders of the political groups will meet next Thursday to shoot the laureate or laureates of the 2023 Sakharov Prize. The laureate or laureates will then be invited to Strasbourg on the 11th of December for an exchange of views at a joint meeting of the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Development and the Subcommittee on Human Rights. The award ceremony will take place on the 13th of December in the plenary of the European Parliament.