The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after the Russian scientist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, seeks to honour individuals or organisations anywhere in the world for their efforts on behalf of human rights, democracy and freedom of expression and their struggle against intolerance and oppression. Created in 1988, the prize is awarded annually by the European Parliament at a formal sitting held in Strasbourg.

In 2011, the emblematic figure of the fight against intolerance, oppression, injustice, corruption, dictatorship, arbitrary rule, and torture is the 26 years old ,the young Tunisian Mohammed Bouazizi. He’s awaken the abused dignity of Arab citizens. As the flapping wing of a butterfly would cause an earthquake, the death of Mohammed Bouazizi has not only changed the face of his country Tunisia. But also, triggered the wheel of freedom, dignity, and values of Justice and respect for human rights; in other words the renaissance of the Arab World. No one could guess today what will come out of this, but everybody knows well that tomorrow will never be the same. There will always be a “before” and an “after” the “Jasmin revolution” 2011.

Mohammed Bouazizi deserves more than a square or an avenue named after him in his country. He deserves that his name be preserved. Europe owes him more than mere cold declarations. Europe owes him all the respect and dignity that this prize stands for.

This petition aims at presenting the European Parliament with a million of signatures and demands that this edition of the Sakharov Prize be posthumously awarded to Mohammed Bouazizi.

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