While pregnant with her second child, Mrs. Meriam Ibrahim was sentenced to death by Sudanese authorities for proclaiming her Christian faith. Meriam was told to convert to Islam to be set free; instead, she refused, boldly staying true to her Christian faith. While in prison, she was forced to give birth in appalling condition.

Meriam Ibrahim became a world-wide symbol for the persecution of Christians in modern times. She also became an inspiration for Christians defending the human right of religious freedom, safeguarding the rights of minorities, and respecting international law.

Each year the EU-Parliament in Strasbourg (France) awards the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to individuals or organizations that fights for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The prize is awarded for achievements in defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms; particularly,  the right to free expression, safeguarding the rights of minorities, respect for international law, development of democracy, and implementation of the rule of law. The Sakharov Prize is intended to honour exceptional individuals who combat intolerance, fanaticism, and oppression. So as Meriam Ibrahim has done. 

In times of growing persecution of Christians, the EU must support the human right of religious freedom and must oppose the persecution of Christians in Europe and worldwide. An appropriate tribute would be for the EU to award the Sakharov Prize to Meriam Ibrahim, who has inspired many people with her courage and determination to stand up for what she believes in; namely, to fight for an individuals right to freedom of religion, and to raise awareness on the issue of persecution of Christians worldwide.

Nominations must secure the support of at least 40 Members of the EU-Parliament, or a political group. Individual Members may support only one nominee. Each proposal must be signed and include supporting evidence. Mrs Beatrix von Storch, German Member of the EU-Parliament and coordinator of the ECR group at the women’s rights committee, lead the steering group for this nomination procedure.

Timetable: Nominations for Sakharov Prize can be made by political groups or at least 40 MEPs (deadline: Monday 18 September at 12h in Strasbourg). A shortlist of three finalists based on the nominations will be voted in a joint meeting of the Committees on Development and on Foreign Affairs, and the Sub-Committee on Human Rights on Monday 6 or Tuesday 7 October in Brussels. The chairmen of the political groups shall choose the final laureate on Thursday 16 October. The Prize award ceremony in Plenary shall take place on Wednesday 26 November at 12h00 in Strasbourg.

Please sign the petition tol Members of the EU-Parliament to help secure the nomination of Mrs Meriam Ibrahim for the 2014 Sakharov Price.