The European Union has awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Mahsa Amini, who died shortly after Iranian authorities arrested her last year.
Iranian morality police arrested Amini, 22, for allegedly violating Iran's mandatory headscarf law. She died on September 16, 2022, three days after her arrest.
The prize, named after Soviet human rights activist Andrei Sakharov, has been awarded annually since 1988 to those who stand up for human rights and personal freedom.
"The European Parliament proudly stands with the brave and defiant who continue to fight for equality, dignity and freedom in Iran," EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola said in a statement. "By choosing them as laureates ... this house remembers their struggle and continues to honor all those who have paid the ultimate price for liberty."
Amini’s father, Amjad Amini, who was briefly arrested on the anniversary of his daughter's death, addressed the European Parliament in a letter, expressing gratitude for the EU’s recognition of the message his daughter stood for, as well as the symbol she has become.
“Our daughter Zina [Mahsa] is not dead. We are living with her. We are happy that her name became a symbol of freedom and equality in the world, and we feel that she is happy and satisfied just as we are," Amjad Amini said in a letter to the Parliament.
Authorities said Mahsa Amini's death resulted from existing medical issues, but family and supporters say it was caused by injuries suffered during beatings by Iranian police.
Her death sparked outrage, causing protests primarily led by women under the rallying cry of "Woman, Life, Freedom.” The protests involved many women defying the headscarf law and removing the mandatory clothing piece, called the hijab.
Protests have grown into calls for the dismantling of Iran's Islamic theocracy, a government system that dates back four decades.
Iran has responded to the protests and to women removing their headscarves by engaging in a violent crackdown in which over 500 people have been killed and over 22,000 more detained, according to some human rights groups.
Other finalists for this year’s award included Nicaraguan human rights activists Vilma Nunez de Escorcia and Roman Catholic Bishop Rolando Alvarez, and three women from Poland, El Salvador and the United States who have been leaders in promoting access to what the nomination announcement called “free, safe and legal” abortions.
The award ceremony honoring Amini will take place on December 13.
VOA’s Persian Service contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
