- This distinction is awarded for outstanding contributions in the defense of human rights and freedom of conscience.
Spain’s European People’s Party (EPP) nominated Venezuelan opposition leaders Edmundo González, currently in exile in Madrid, and María Corina Machado for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on 17 September.
“Awarding the Sakharov Prize to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González would be a strong message in defence of freedom, democracy and human rights. It would be a fundamental support for the Venezuelan people in their fight against the totalitarian government of Nicolás Maduro,” said Spanish MEP Dolors Montserrat in a statement.
“Despite the regime’s constant attempts to undermine the electoral process, the Venezuelan people turned out in large numbers to vote, demonstrating their desire for change,” the European Popular Party members stressed in order to justify the candidacy of the two Venezuelan opposition leaders.
In addition, the EPP recalled in the statement that independent observers confirmed that the 2024 presidential elections in Venezuela did not meet international standards and could not be considered democratic.
Other nominations for the Sakharov Prize
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The European conservative and reformist MEPs also announced the nomination of Gonzalez for the Sakharov Prize.
MEP Carlo Fidanza said the Venezuelan political leader is “a shining symbol of the peaceful struggle for freedom and democracy and the greatest hope for the people of Venezuela.”
While the liberals of Renew Europe designated two feminist, pacifist and non-partisan movements that strive to unite Israeli and Palestinian women to spread a call for peace and a message of hope: Women Wage Peace y Women of the Sun.
The faces of these two movements are the Israeli Yael Admi (Women Wage Peace) and Palestinian Reem Hajajra.
The initiative by Admin and Hajajra is “extremely courageous and worthy of admiration”, said Valérie Hayer, president of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament.
The choice of the European Social Democrat MEPs, who will select their nominees for the Sakharov Prize on 18 September, is yet to be announced.
This award recognizes each year the most outstanding contributions to the defense of human rights and freedom of conscience in the world.
The Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament will select the laureate on 24 October.
Other recognitions for Maria Corina Machado
Machado won in Italy the Bruno Leoni Award on September 13, for “the incredible courage, the extraordinary lucidity, the inexhaustible passion that he has put, over the years, at the service of the cause of freedom,” according to what was explained by the eponymous Institute that awarded him the prize.
Machado’s commitment “under the most difficult conditions” during “her constant struggle for freedom and human rights” in Venezuela has motivated the award, which will be presented to her on November 11 in Milan, during the institution’s annual dinner.
In addition, the Venezuelan political leader is one of the three Finalists for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize granted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the body said in a statement on 27 August.
This award rewards outstanding action by civil society in defence of human rights. The winner will be announced on 30 September in Strasbourg (France).
“The selection jury for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, which rewards outstanding civil society action in defence of human rights in Europe and beyond, announced today in Prague the shortlist for the 2024 Prize,” the organisation said on its X account.
On August 16, four Florida university presidents announced they will run for the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Machado for avoiding resorting to violent protests, despite the fact that Nicolás Maduro’s government has not recognized the victory claimed by the opposition in the July 28 presidential elections.
Miami Dade College (MDC) President Madeline Pumariega and Florida International University (FIU) President Kenneth A. Jessel, Saint Thomas University President David Armstrong, and Barry University President Mike Allen will nominate the Venezuelan opposition activist for next year’s Nobel Peace Prize.
With information from EFE.
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#Maria #Corina #Machado #Edmundo #Gonzalez #nominated #Sakharov #Prize
2024-09-18 17:36:07
What is the significance of the Sakharov Prize and how does it relate to the nomination of Venezuelan opposition leaders?
Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought: European Parliament Nominates Venezuelan Opposition Leaders
The European Parliament has nominated Venezuelan opposition leaders Edmundo González and María Corina Machado for the prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. This distinguished award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions to the defense of human rights and freedom of conscience.
Defending Freedom and Democracy
The European People’s Party (EPP) nominated the two Venezuelan leaders in recognition of their tireless efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela. The EPP highlighted the importance of supporting the Venezuelan people in their struggle against the authoritarian government of Nicolás Maduro. “Awarding the Sakharov Prize to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González would be a strong message in defense of freedom, democracy, and human rights,” said Spanish MEP Dolors Montserrat in a statement.
Free and Fair Elections
The EPP also emphasized the importance of promoting free and fair elections in Venezuela. Despite the regime’s attempts to undermine the electoral process, the Venezuelan people turned out in large numbers to vote, demonstrating their desire for change. Independent observers, however, confirmed that the 2024 presidential elections in Venezuela did not meet international standards and could not be considered democratic.
Other Nominations
In addition to the Venezuelan opposition leaders, other nominations for the Sakharov Prize have been announced. The European conservative and reformist MEPs nominated Edmundo González, while the liberals of Renew Europe
