Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov is this year’s winner of the European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Sentsov is a Ukrainian film director, sentenced to 20 years in prison for “plotting terrorist acts” against the Russian “de facto” rule in Crimea.
"Through his courage and determination, by putting his life in danger, the film maker Oleg Sentsov has become a symbol of the struggle for the release of political prisoners held in Russia and around the world. By awarding him the Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament is expressing its solidarity with him and his cause." - said Parliament President, Antonio Tajani.
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded annually since 1988 to individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.