2011 - 2020

A Ukrainian filmmaker who was imprisoned in Russia, Oleg Sentsov is a source of inspiration for those who face oppression, and is a symbol of the struggle for the release of political prisoners held in Russia and around the world.

Iranian human rights lawyer and activist Nasrin Sotoudeh defends religious minorities, women, minors and protesters against electoral fraud, the death penalty and torture on the part of the regime.

Only 11 when she started her fight for the right of girls to education and against Taliban extremism in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai fought on even after an attempt on her life in 2012.

Award-winning Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi exposes injustice and repression. He advocates artistic freedom and has condemned the death penalty.

In 2017, the political opponents of the Venezuelan Government, including the National Assembly and all political prisoners, were awarded the prize for their continuing bravery in the pursuit of freedom and prosperity in Venezuela.

Led by brave women and other civil society and political figures, the Coordination Council has united the Belarussians fighting for democracy in Europe’s last dictatorship.

Ilham Tohti is an economics professor and an advocate for China’s Uyghur minority, more than a million of whom are detained in internment camps.

Survivors of sexual enslavement by Islamic State (IS), Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar became spokespersons for women whose lives have been blighted by sexual violence, and act as advocates for Iraq’s Yazidi community.

Saudi blogger Raif Badawi was flogged and jailed for discussing liberal political ideas and religious topics online.

Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege has devoted his life to the rehabilitation of tens of thousands of victims of rape and brutal sexual violence and many more who live under its threat.

By setting himself on fire in protest against government corruption and widespread unemployment, Mohamed Bouazizi inspired Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution.

As a political satirist and cartoonist, Ali Ferzat pushed the boundaries of freedom of expression in Syria through his work criticising the regime and the much-feared security forces.

Asmaa Mahfouz’s social media posts calling on Egyptians to protest peacefully for freedom, dignity and human rights helped initiate the revolutionary movement in Egypt.

An opponent of the oppression perpetrated by the military dictatorship, Ahmed al-Sanusi advocates inclusive reconciliation as the only path to peace and democracy in Libya.

Journalist and lawyer Razan Zaitouneh denounced human rights violations in Syria. Her struggle for freedom and democracy led to her kidnapping in 2013.