The Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law 2022 has been awarded to Mahsa Amini and the people of Iran for their courageous fight for freedom.

Since 2016, France and Germany have jointly honored personalities or organizations who have made outstanding contributions to human rights.

The award winners are NGOs, lawyers, journalists, or activists who defend “the inalienable rights of every human being.” The winners stand up for those whose voices would often not be heard including women, survivors of sexual violence, LGBTIQ+ people, prisoners, children, or migrant workers.

The foreign ministers of France and Germany on Saturday jointly awarded the prize dedicated to Mahsa Amini and people of Iran for standing up for human rights.

The 22-year-old Iranian woman Mahsa Amini was killed in mid-September in police custody for allegedly not wearing proper hijab. Her death resulted in the largest Iranian protests against regime.

“Today, we honor Mahsa Amini and the people of Iran for their courageous commitment with the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights…with our French friends, we stand firmly by the side of these courageous men and women,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

France’s Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna further stated that “France and Germany are determined to continue to accompany the men and women of Iran in their just struggle. You can count on Annalena Baerbock’s and my support. And we will continue our efforts to ensure the oppressors will not go unpunished.”