MEPs have shortlisted three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, following a vote by the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Development

committees on Thursday.

The finalists, chosen through a secret ballot, are:

Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, an academic and anti-corruption activist from Azerbaijan;

María Corina Machado, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, alongside President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans fighting to restore freedom and democracy;

"Women Wage Peace" and "Women of the Sun" from Israel/Palestine, recognized for their peace-building efforts.

The full biographies of the candidates can be found by following the provided link.

Next Steps

The 2024 Sakharov Prize laureate will be selected by the Conference of Presidents—composed of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the leaders of political groups—on Thursday, October 24. The winner will be announced during the plenary session in Strasbourg, with the official award ceremony scheduled for December. The laureate will receive an endowment of EUR 50,000.

Background

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is the European Union's top human rights award. Established in 1988, it honors individuals or organizations who champion human rights, freedom of expression, minority rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Past laureates include notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Denis Mukwege, and Nadia Murad, with several also being recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.