Russian opposition politician and anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny will be awarded the 2021 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The Committees on Foreign Affairs and Development (AFET) and the Subcommittee on Human Rights hold a joint exchange of views with the representatives of the 2021 Sakharov Prize laureate Mr Alexei Navalny - his daughter Daria Navalnaya and his adviser Leonid Volkov. Mr Navalny is currently incarcerated in a high-security penal colony in Russia and therefore cannot be present in person.

exchange of views

Strasbourg

McALLISTER, David (EPP, DE)

TOBÉ, Tomas (EPP, SE)

NAVALNY, Alexei (RU)

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2021 (T)

Exchange of views with Daria NAVALNAYA, daughter of Alexei NAVALNY, the 2021 Sakharov Prize laureate, and Leonid VOLKOV, Chief of Staff of Alexei NAVALNY

Title: Exchange of views with Daria NAVALNAYA, daughter of Alexei NAVALNY, the 2021 Sakharov Prize laureate, and Leonid VOLKOV, Chief of Staff of Alexei NAVALNY

SOUNDBITE (English), David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Chair of AFET Committee, By awarding Alexei Navalny, the 2021 Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament is honoring his efforts, his courage and his determination in upholding civic freedoms, democratic governance, the Rule of law and in fighting against corruption. This prize also reiterates the European Parliament's unwavering support and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

SOUNDBITE (English), David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Chair of AFET Committee, Let me assure you that the European Union and the European Parliament in particular stands by those that defend human rights in Russia. We continue to call for Mr Navalny's release, as well as the release of all persons detained in support of his freedom or his anti-corruption campaign. We are committed to ensuring that the European Union maintains a strong stance towards Russia, demonstrating that violations of democratic principles and fundamental values will not be accepted.

SOUNDBITE (English), Tomas TOB&#201; (EPP, SE), Chair of DEVE Commitee, Mr Navalny has risked his life and sacrificed his freedom, and despite the arrests, harassment and threats, he refuses to be intimidated. He has demonstrated fierce determination to bring about a more democratic Russia, a future where freedom of expression and human rights will be guaranteed for all without interference. For years, his encompassing yet peaceful protests against the regime and his unwavering conviction that a better Russia is possible shows us what a difference one person can make. For all this reasons, he truly deserves to be a laureate, and it is right that his long standing work is finally recognized by this award.

SOUNDBITE (English), Daria NAVALNAYA, daughter of Alexei NAVALNY - For me as a daughter, it's incredibly important that we help Alexei Navalny to be immediately released from prison. And I believe with your help, it's very possible to achieve.

SOUNDBITE (English), Leonid VOLKOV, chief of staff for Alexei Navalny&apos;s campaign for the 2018 presidential election, This year's Sakharov Prize does not commemorate past achievements, but rather encourages us to carry on, and it's very important that our work is acknowledged in Europe in this way. And rest assured, this will continue our work and our fight.

SOUNDBITE (English), Leonid VOLKOV, chief of staff for Alexei Navalny&apos;s campaign for the 2018 presidential election, There are now six new criminal charges pressed against Alexei. He's accused of extremism, money laundering, of creating a sect, of appropriation of donations, of inclinations of minors into unlawful activities, of fundraising for an extremist organization. This charges combined could result in up to 23 years imprisonment, additional life sentence effectively.

SOUNDBITE (English), Leonid VOLKOV, chief of staff for Alexei Navalny&apos;s campaign for the 2018 presidential election, Europe has to help itself, but by doing so, it will also help us a lot. Punishing Putin and his friends for their corruption, creating obstacles for experts of corruption from Russia. Europe will also become much more of a role model for those within Russia who fight for change and for a better future for our country.