In news- Recently, ALexi Navlny, a jailed Russian opposition politician received the EU’s top Human rights award- Sakharov Prize.
About Sakharov Prize-
- The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, commonly known as the Sakharov Prize is an honorary award for individuals or groups who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom of thought.
- It was established in 1988 by the European Parliament.
- It is named after Russian scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov.
- The prize is awarded in a ceremony at the Parliament’s Strasbourg hemicycle (round chamber) in December.
- The prize includes a monetary award of €50,000.
- The idea of creating an annual European Parliament prize emerged during a plenary debate in July 1984 discussing Andrei Sakharov’s situation.
- Its original purpose was to reward work on the development of East-West relations, the freedom of debate and inquiry and the defence of human rights or the rule of law.
- The first prize was awarded jointly to South African Nelson Mandela and Russian Anatoly Marchenko.
About ALexi Navlny-
- He is a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, and anti-corruption activist.
- He came to international prominence by organizing anti-government demonstrations and running for office to advocate reforms against corruption in Russia, and against President Vladimir Putin and his government.
- He is the leader of the Russia of the Future party and the founder of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK).
Source: The Hindu
