The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is annual award given by the European Parliament.
It is bestowed on individuals or organisations who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom of thought.
It was established in December 1988 and is named after Soviet scientist (physicist) and dissident Andrei Sakharov.
The first prize was jointly awarded to Nelson Mandela and Russian human rights campaigner Anatoly Marchenko.
It is awarded annually on or around December 10 (also celebrated as Human Rights Day), day on which UN General Assembly ratified Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
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