Jina Mahsa Amini was arrested on September 13, 2022, by Iran’s religious police for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code. She died in custody three days later. Her death sparked protests across Iran and around the world, with many people accusing the Iranian government of brutality and negligence.
The protests have continued for several weeks, and have become a symbol of the broader fight for women’s rights and human rights in Iran. The Iranian government has responded to the protests with a crackdown, arresting thousands of people and using violence against demonstrators.
Jina Mahsa Amini’s death has also had an impact on the international community. The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Iran in response to the government’s crackdown on the protests. The United Nations has also called on Iran to investigate Amini’s death and to hold those responsible accountable.
The EU’s Sakharov Prize is awarded annually to individuals and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to the defense of human rights and freedom. The prize is named after Andrei Sakharov, a Soviet physicist and human rights activist.
Jina Mahsa Amini is the first Iranian to be awarded the Sakharov Prize. Her award is a recognition of her courage and sacrifice, and of the struggle for human rights in Iran.