Journalists, democracy activists, and Elon Musk: these are the nominees for the Sakharov Prize 2024

Brussels – The list of nominees for the Sakharov Prize 2024 is official: the political opponents in Venezuela, an Azerbaijani activist, the founders of two Israeli and Palestinian feminist organizations, Palestinian journalists, and Elon Musk.

The name of Musk, CEO of X and Tesla, could come as a surprise among the nominees for the award with which the European Union recognizes the winner’s crucial contribution to human rights. However, it also honors his contribution to freedom of thought. That is probably why Patriots for Europe and Europe of Sovereign Nations felt (for the second time) that the US entrepreneur was the ideal candidate. According to the two political groups, the former Twitter, after its takeover, would have benefited from Musk’s efforts against cancel culture and who pledged to fight censorship through “Twitter Files.” Another commitment is to expand Internet access in remote areas, “promoting digital inclusion and equality in access to information.”

For his commitment to ensuring democracy in Venezuela, the ECR and the EPP nominated Edmundo González Urrutia, a president legitimately elected by the people but a victim of “judicial intimidation” by the Maduro regime. The two political groups, who agreed on defending the opposition in Venezuela in the European Parliament, also shared the choice of Uturria’s candidacy, to which the EPP also added María Corina Machado as the leader of democratic forces in Venezuela, another victim of opposition repression.

Another victim of the crackdown on dissent was Azerbaijani academic and anti-corruption activist Gubad Ibadoghlu, who the Greens/ALE chose as a candidate. He was arrested in 2023 after criticizing the country’s oil and gas industry. He was subjected to human rights violations, reflecting the Azerbaijani government’s treatment of those who criticize its regime (especially regarding fossil fuel management).

The Left rewarded the tireless work of Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip. Over 100 correspondents have been killed on the ground to carry out reports since October 7, 2023; many have been assaulted or arrested. Despite the poor conditions, journalists continue to document the conflict and report on Gaza, often “without international protection or supervision.” The nominees are Hamza Al-Dahdouh, Wael Al-Dahdouh, Plestia Alaqad, Shireen Abu Akleh, and Ain Media in honor of Yasser Murtaja and Roshdi Sarraj to represent the entire category of Palestinian journalists.

Also linked to the conflict in Gaza is the candidacy by Renew Europe and the Socialists of two feminist associations, the Israeli “Women Wage Peace” and the Palestinian “Women for Sun” that work together for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the participation of women, youth, and children. The S&D, in its nomination, specified, considering their collaboration, Yael Admi and Reem Hajajreh, the leaders of the two movements (Nobel Peace Prize nominees because of their commitment to the cause).

In 2023, Jina Mahsa Amini and the Iranian “Woman, Life and Freedom” movement received the award. This year, it will have to wait until October. On Oct. 17, after the Foreign Affairs and Development committees vote, a shortlist of three candidates will be announced. On Oct. 24, the winner or winners will be announced at the Conference of Presidents (a body of the Parliament, which, in addition to President Metsola, also includes the leaders of all political groups represented in the Parliament).