“The leader of the Russian opposition Alexei Navalny he is the winner of the 2021 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought of the European Parliament “. The EPP group in the European Parliament that nominated him in September announced on Twitter.” Putin, free Navalny! – underlines the EPP -. Europe demands his freedom and that of all other political prisoners. “Navalnyi was arrested on his return to Russia from Germany, where he was treated after being poisoned. The € 50,000 prize will be awarded during the session on the 15th December of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
“Alexei Navalny is this year’s winner of the Sakharov Prize. He fought tirelessly against the corruption of Vladimir Putin’s regime. This cost him his freedom and nearly his life. Today’s award recognizes his immense courage and we reiterate our appeal. for his immediate release “, wrote the President of the European Parliament on Twitter, David Sassoli. The leaders of the movement founded by Navalnyj rejoice at the news: “Fully deserved, thanks to all those who supported us”, he wrote on Twitter Leonid Volkov, Navalny’s right-hand man now in exile. “Hurray!” Commented Ivan Zhdanov, director of the Anti-Corruption Fund.
Other nominees for the award include a group of Afghan women, including activists and journalists who have been fighting since August to defend their rights in the country under the rule of the Taliban, and the former Bolivian interim president Jeanine Anez, accused of sedition and terrorism.
The Sakharov Prize is the European Union’s highest recognition for individuals or organizations that have stood out for the defense of freedom of thought. Established in 1998 in memory of the Soviet scientist and dissident whose name it bears. Last year he was assigned to the democratic opposition in Belarus, represented at the ceremony by the leader Svetlana Tsikhanovskaya.
Russia, the Nobel Peace Prize winner Muratov: “It’s a prize for fallen journalists. But Navalnyj deserved it”
by Rosalba Castelletti
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