Emmanuel Macron, the President of France sent a message in support of Iranian women and their fight for freedom against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

On Thursday, Macron posted on Twitter now X about this year’s Sakharov Prize being awarded to Mahsa Amini and the Women Life Freedom Movement in Iran.

“The Sakharov Prize is a powerful reminder of Europe's commitment to freedom.”

“It goes today to Mahsa Amini and to all Iranian women who are courageously fighting for their rights,” said Macron.

The Sakharov Prize is awarded each year by the European Parliament to honor individuals and organizations that defend human rights and basic freedoms. This year, the prestigious prize was given to Mahsa Amini and the Women Life Freedom Movement. 

In 2022, the death of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman while in police custody for improper attire, sparked one of the most widespread anti-government protests across the country. The crackdown on protests resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests by authorities, according to human rights organizations.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the 2023 laureate in the Strasbourg plenary chamber on Thursday with the award ceremony due to take place this December.

“We stand with those who, even from prison, continue to keep Women, Life and Freedom alive,” said Metsola referring to Narges Mohammadi, jailed activist who won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize in early October.

“By choosing them as laureates for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2023, this House remembers their struggle and continues to honour all those who have paid the ultimate price for liberty,”