Sakharov Prize 2017: major contribution to restoring freedom and democracy in Venezuela

'"The Venezuelan opposition is an example for all. They are brave people who, despite being beaten or imprisoned, are not afraid and do not give up, but fight for their freedom and for their dignity”, said José Ignacio Salafranca MEP welcoming today’s decision to award the 2017 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the Democratic Opposition in Venezuela: the National Assembly, represented by its President Julio Borges, and all political prisoners as listed by Foro Penal, represented by Leopoldo López, Antonio Ledezma, Daniel Ceballos, Yon Goicoechea, Lorent Saleh, Alfredo Ramos and Andrea González.

Their candidacy was proposed by the EPP Group together with the ALDE Group.

“This award will contribute to restoring freedom, democracy, peace, human rights and rule of law in Venezuela - the values that the Sakharov Prize is meant to represent”, added Salafranca.

The prize will be awarded during the December plenary session of the European Parliament in December.

More than 130 opponents have been murdered and more than 500 have been arbitrarily imprisoned in Venezuela since the beginning of 2017.