EU Recognizes Mahsa Amini as Symbol of Freedom and Human Rights

The European parliament has posthumously awarded the Sakharov prize to Mahsa Amini, whose death in Iranian custody sparked widespread protests. Amini's mother referred to her daughter's name as a "secret code for freedom" and criticized Iran for confiscating their passports and preventing them from attending the ceremony. Amini's death led to global demonstrations against the repression of women in Iran and calls for an end to the religious government's strict dress code. Iranian security forces have cracked down on protests, resulting in hundreds of deaths and executions. The refusal to allow Amini's family to attend the ceremony has drawn outrage from EU lawmakers. Two activists living in exile accepted the award on behalf of the broader movement, emphasizing the need for international support in challenging the Iranian regime's treatment of protesters.