On 14 December, in Strasbourg, AFET/DEVE/DROI, in association with the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula, held a meeting on the 2015 Laureate of Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The prize was awarded to Raif Badawi, a Saudi Arabian blogger and writer who courageously expressed his ideas and raised his doubts on the rules of his country.
Raif Badawi, still imprisoned, was represented by his wife, Ensaf Haidar. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Stavros Lambrinidis, also participated in the exchange of views.
The European Parliament has always been a vocal supporter of human rights, and since 1988, every year, it has been awarding the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of thought to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the fight for human rights across the globe, drawing attention to human rights violations as well as supporting the laureates and their cause.
By awarding the Sakharov Prize to Raif Badawi, the European Parliament asserts its support for freedom of speech as one of the fundamental human rights, a right which must be respected everywhere, with no exception.
Further informationDraft agendaEP resolution on Raif BadawiSource :
© European Union, 2015 - EP