Andrei Sakharov's widow claims the prize is supposed to be an award for individuals not assocations. But MEP Eva-Britt Svensson thinks otherwise. The Swedish liberal talks democracy and human rights in Russia with EuroparlTV.

The News: Memorial deserved to win Sakharov Prize says MEP Svensson

Absolutely.   This is a tremendously important prize.

It's important that we in the EU   show the world

who are the people   that work for human rights,

for the freedom of speech, which   is incredibly important, and democracy.

It's important for the EU that,   as a Union of democratic states,

our most important task when   cooperating with any other country

is to firmly stand by democracy,   human rights, freedom of speech.

The EU can never back down on this,   regardless of the country or the issue.

It would be the end of EU cooperation if   we were to back down on these matters.

Yes, very strong support. There isn't   a citizen in Sweden who isn't aware

of Dawit Isaak's situation   and who isn't involved.

We also have a big campaign where   famous people like actors and athletes

support the work for demanding   the immediate release of Dawit Isaak.

freedom of speech   and the fight for democracy.