The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the highest tribute paid by the European Union to human rights work. It gives recognition to individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to protecting freedom of thought. Through the prize and its associated network the EU assists laureates, who are supported and empowered in their efforts to defend their causes. This year, the award goes to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran. This news item shows extracts from the statement by the laurate during the Sakharov Prize 2023 ceremony.

Strasbourg

plenary session

EU - Iran (T)

respect for human rights in the world (T)

Human rights (T2)

ceremony

violence against women (T)

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2023 (T)

Award of the 2023 Sakharov Prize: statements by Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar representing Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, Sakharov Prize 2023 laureates

External shot of the European Parliament in Strasbourg

SOUNDBITE (Farsi), Mersedeh Shahinkar, representing Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, You see, the protests which started with Women, Life, Freedom Movement, We already had problems prior to that. People protested in years before that and unfortunately it was suppressed. But, the difference between this time and the other times was an innocent girl was killed because of the coverage, compulsory coverage, and people could not take it anymore. Prior to that, we had a number of films in relation to morality police and treating the girls brutally and harassing them. But after the death of Mahsa Amini, this explosion took place and people naturally came onto the streets. I myself did not think that this would put on these protests for the first couple of days. But, the nature of the number of people who came to the street. I got energy and enthusiasm about it and I decided to go on the streets myself.

SOUNDBITE (Farsi), Mersedeh Shahinkar, representing Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, I was waiting for something terrible to happen because I saw, I witnessed a lot of brutal suppression and oppression. And then, of course, in the social media, I did see a lot of videos and which visually showed people getting killed and brutally dealt with. But I went onto the streets because I had an objective and I the objective was for all of us. And it was for freedom. And and as you can see, I lost my right eye. And I have never regret it because not even one person I regret this because every time I have said that this is a sign that I'm proud of this. I did this for my country and for the future of our children and our new generation to come for a better life, for a normal life, without the Islamic Republic regime and the Islamic Republic, because stop people from progression. We have gone backwards. My country has been destroyed and I have never regretted going onto the streets and for this movement and stronger.

SOUNDBITE (Farsi), Mersedeh Shahinkar, representing Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, What do you see when I heard this news, I really got upset. This in itself is a perfect example of full violation of human rights, and that is Islamic Republic has done against the family of the grieving family and who are grieving for the loss of their daughter. And we call her a martyr. And unfortunately, even now, with what would suppression and oppression of the regime upon the people and their inability of a family who deservedly had to be here to receive this prize. Of course, has made us very upset. We would have loved for the family to be here so that we could see them in person. And they were the one who actually paid a great sacrifice. And they did not bend the head down in front of the Islamic Republic. They stood. Strong. We got energy from them and we got the to continue the what they started.

SOUNDBITE (Farsi), Afsoon Najafi, representing Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, I would say we are a few steps ahead from since the woman life freedom movement started and we are now where we are, where I'm standing, it's brought us forward to this position. And of course, my hope and wish is to go further, so that we can go progress in this moment.

SOUNDBITE (Farsi), Afsoon Najafi, representing Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, The European Parliament can assist and hope the Iranian people and the Iranian Revolution and the Women, Live, Freedom Movement to progress and achieve its objectives by support. Because they are in Iran, they have got limitations, although they are protesting and they are standing strong for this movement and the revolution. Unfortunately, all the protesters are arrested, imprisoned, killed, and they are losing lives. But with the support of the European Parliament, we will be able to pursue this objective and reach results and be successful in our revolution and movement.