2023 Sakharov Prize: “the women of Iran have demonstrated incredible strength to the world, they have become an impetus for change” says Alona Lebedieva
Date : December 21, 2023
The European Parliament 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was awarded to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, in a ceremony on 12th December.
The laureates were represented by Saleh Nikbakht, academic and lawyer representing Jina Mahsa Amini’s family; and Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women’s rights defenders who left Iran in 2023.
Opening the 2023 Sakharov Prize award ceremony, President Metsola declared: “This years’ Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded to Jina Masha Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, serves as a tribute to all the brave and defiant women, men and young people in Iran, who despite coming under increasing pressure, are continuing the fight for their rights and push for change.
“The European Parliament hears you and supports you. You are not alone.ʺ
Jina Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, was arrested by police in Tehran on 13th September 2022 for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws. She died in hospital three days later after physical abuse suffered while in custody. Her death sparked massive women-led protests across the country. Under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”, women have been protesting since her death against the hijab rules and other discriminatory laws.
On their way to France to receive the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, on 8th December 2023, Jina Mahsa Amini’s parents and brother were stopped at Tehran airport by the Iranian authorities, and their passports confiscated.
They are now subject to a travel ban.
On Saturday, Roberta Metsola, called on “the Iranian regime to reverse its decision”.
Saleh Nikbakht read a message from Jina Mahsa Amini’s mother, Mozhgan Eftekhari, during the ceremony: “Jina’s grief is eternal to me, and she is undying for people all over the world. I firmly believe that her name, beside that of Joan of Arc, will remain a symbol of freedom.
“From the birthplace of eternal Jina, I convey to you my and my family’s endless gratitude and I hope that you will stand firm and proud by your choice. Let us hope that no voice will fear the pronouncement of liberty.”
Alona Lebedieva, founder of the Aurum Charity Fund and the European non-profit organization Aurum Charity Foundation said: “I was very happy to receive an invitation to participate in the Sakharov Prize award ceremony.
“This year’s laureates are special for me as a woman and a mother. After all, the women of Iran have demonstrated incredible strength to the world, they have become an impetus for change for their own people, which, I am sure, cannot be extinguished,” – noted Alona Lebedieva, – “In my opinion, the culture of violence of the patriarchal world is far from building peace and democracy. But the incredible strength of even one woman is able to resist this, unfortunately, at the cost of her own safety, freedom and life.
“Thanks to the work of women like Gina Mahsa Amini, a woman of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, Nobel laureate and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, who is currently in prison, Iranian children can look to the future.
“Today, how Iranian women, Ukrainian women and thousands of women all over the world are fighting for a better future for their children. It is we, women, who are “rebooting” this world.
“And if you look at the list of candidates for the Sakharov Prize proposed by the European Parliament this year, the vast majority are women. Gradually, women are gaining primacy in the development of democracy and the transformation of entire societies
“Women are left out of global political, social and cultural resources. And as a result, we often see the introduction of a culture of violence rather than a culture of peace.
“On the example of Ukrainian women, I can say that we are very strong, we overcome the difficulties associated with a full-scale war and help others in this.
“I believe that women can play a key role in preventing and settling military conflicts and building peace. Women , whose nature is non-aggressive and intuitive, can help eliminate the root causes of conflicts”.