Mahsa Amini receives the prestigious Sakharov human rights prize from the European Union

The European Union has honored Mahsa Amini and the Iranian "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement with the prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman, died while in custody after allegedly violating Iran's strict hijab (headscarf) rule for women. Her death sparked widespread protests that posed a significant challenge to Iranian authorities. The Sakharov Prize is awarded to human rights activists and dissidents. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described Amini's death as a turning point and praised the women-led movement that it triggered. Amini's family and supporters claim she was killed, while Iranian authorities argue that she died from an undisclosed medical condition. Following the protests, the EU imposed sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations in Iran. The Sakharov Prize serves as a demonstration of solidarity. The recent Nobel Peace Prize winner, Narges Mohammadi, also fought against the mandatory headscarf and the oppression of women in Iran. The Sakharov Prize, named after Soviet scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, has previously been awarded to notable activists such as Malala Yousafzai and Nelson Mandela. Amini and the Iranian "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement will receive a €50,000 ($53,000) endowment, which will be presented at a European Parliament ceremony in December.