The European Parliament’s (EP) Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2020 has been awarded to the democratic opposition in Belarus, the EP press secretary in Latvia Jānis Krastiņš said on Thursday.
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The democratic opposition in Belarus is represented by the Coordinating Council, the Brave Women Initiative, and representatives of political and civil society.
The political crisis in Belarus has continued since the controversial presidential election on 9 August, which sparked an uprising against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko and the regime’s response to brutal repression of peaceful demonstrators.
On Wednesday, Parliament also adopted new recommendations calling for a comprehensive review of the EU’s relations with Belarus.
“Let me congratulate the Belarusian opposition on their courage, perseverance and determination. They have steadfastly resisted and still resist a much stronger opponent. But there is something on their side that even the most ruthless regime will not be able to win – and that is the truth. Therefore, my wish to you, dear laureates, is to maintain your strength and to continue the fight, and you know that we are standing by your side, ”said David Sasoli, President of the European Parliament, after the decision was announced.
The Sakharov Prize ceremony will take place on 16 December.
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