The Chinese political activist Hu Jia is the winner of the 2008 Sacharov Award. It was decided today by the European Parliament, which will give it him during its 17th December session in Strasbourg. "For years, Hu Jia here’s the reason for the Award has been in the forefront of the defence of human rights in China"; in addition, "part of his work is focussed on the defence of the environment and the fight against Aids". After the announcement, the president of the EU Assembly, Hans-Gert Poettering, said that this award, that was established 20 years ago and is given to people or organisations that distinguish themselves in the assertion or defence of fundamental freedoms, "is a strong political sign for the defence of all the Chinese who fight for the recognition of human rights". On 16th December, just before the awards ceremony, the EU Parliament will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the award. The winner, who has been arrested several times for his activity, will receive a diploma and a contribution of 50 thousand euros. Previous winners include Nelson Mandela, Alexander Dubcek, Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo, Ibrahim Rugova, the secretary general and all the staff of the United Nations. Last year, it was won by Salih Mahmoud Mohamed Osman.
