Ilham Tohti Wins European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize 2019
- The European Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Uighur economist, Ilham Tohti.
- The 49-year-old Tohti, who is held in prison by China, has been recognized for his effort fighting for the rights of China’s Uighur minority and the implementation of regional autonomy laws in China.
- He will receive the award on December 18 at a ceremony in the French city of Strasbourg.
- What is Sakharov Prize? Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, commonly known as Sakharov Prize, is European Parliament’s top human rights prize.
- The prize honours individuals and groups of people who have dedicated their lives to the defense of human rights and freedom of thought.