European Parliament: Kremlin critic Navalny receives Sakharov Prize

The imprisoned Kremlin critic Navalny receives the EU Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Democracy and Human Rights. With great courage he fought for freedoms and almost paid with his life, it was said to justify.

The imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, arguably the most prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, has been awarded the highest human rights award in the European Union. Because of his open criticism of the Kremlin, the chairmen of the European Parliament selected the Russian politician for the Sakharov Prize.

Navalny had fought for human rights and fundamental freedoms in his country for many years, said Parliament Vice-President Heidi Hautala in Strasbourg. His commitment cost him his freedom and almost his life. On behalf of Parliament, Hautala called for Navalny’s “immediate and unconditional release”.

Poison attack last year

45-year-old Navalny, who was poisoned with a nerve agent in August 2020, is currently serving a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for violating probation conditions. He himself described this as an advance. The EU imposed sanctions on Russian officials for the poisoning and detention of Navalny.

Moscow denies any wrongdoing and accuses the EU of meddling in its internal affairs. According to his statements, the prison administration has now classified Navalny as an “extremist” and a “terrorist”.

Award ceremony on December 15th in Strasbourg

The 50,000 euro award will be presented on December 15 in Strasbourg during the last plenary session of the year of the EU Parliament. Previous winners include South African President Nelson Mandela, Venezuela’s democratic opposition and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai.