BRUSSELS (ChatnewsTV) — The European Parliament moved a step closer to selecting the winner of its prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2024, as political groups officially presented their candidates during a joint committee meeting on Thursday. The prize, which celebrates outstanding contributions to human rights and the defense of freedom of thought, will be awarded later this year.
Among the notable nominees for 2024 are Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, who represent the country’s struggle for the reinstatement of democracy. “Venezuelans inside and outside the country are fighting for the re-institution of freedom and democracy,” said a spokesperson for the European People’s Party (EPP), which put forward their nomination.
Two women’s peace movements from Israel and Palestine, “Women Wage Peace” and “Women of the Sun,” were also nominated by both the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and Renew Europe groups. Their co-founders, Yael Admi and Reem Hajajreh, were praised for bridging divides in a region long fraught with conflict. “They are shining examples of how grassroots movements can lead to dialogue and peace,” noted an S&D representative.
Another prominent figure in the lineup is Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, who was nominated by both the Patriots for Europe and Europe of Sovereign Nations groups. Musk, who is well known for his influence in the tech and business worlds, was recognized for his contributions to global communication and advancing freedom of speech through platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter).
From Azerbaijan, economist and activist Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, who has faced imprisonment and persecution for his anti-corruption efforts, was nominated by The Greens/EFA group. A spokesperson for the group highlighted Ibadoghlu’s “unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights, despite facing enormous personal risk.”
The Left group brought attention to the plight of journalists in Palestine, nominating a group of reporters, including the late Shireen Abu Akleh and Hamza and Wael Al-Dahdouh, for their brave work in documenting the struggles faced in the region. “In honor of those who have paid the ultimate price, their voices continue to stand as a testament to the fight for truth and freedom,” said a representative from the group.
The final three candidates will be shortlisted following a vote by the Foreign Affairs and Development committees on October 17. The winner, chosen by the Conference of Presidents, will be announced on October 24, with the award ceremony scheduled for December 18 in Strasbourg.
The Sakharov Prize was first awarded in 1988 to Nelson Mandela and Anatoli Marchenko. Last year’s prize honored Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, further cementing the European Union’s commitment to human rights advocacy across the globe.
