Venezuela is currently facing a serious political and economic crisis. Spiralling inflation has left millions of Venezuelans struggling to buy food or medicine, while since the beginning of the year over 120 people have died in street demonstrations primarily against the government of Nicolas Maduro. The opposition-led national assembly has been stripped of its powers, and according to Foro Penal Venezolano there are currently 300 political prisoners in the country.

A tribute to the struggle of the Venezuelan people

On 26 October, Parliament’s President Antonio Tajani announced that the 2017 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought would be awarded to Venezuela’s democratic opposition. This followed a decision by the President and Parliament’s political group leaders. The democratic opposition includes the country's national assembly (represented by Julio Borges) and all political prisoners as listed by Foro Penal Venezolano (represented by Leopoldo López, Antonio Ledezma, Daniel Ceballos, Yon Goicoechea, Lorent Saleh, Alfredo Ramos and Andrea González).

Speaking ahead of the ceremony in Strasbourg, Julio Borges described the prize as “recognition for all the Venezuelan people” and not just for its parliament. On 13 December, Borges will be joined in Strasbourg by Antonio Ledezma and family members and representatives of the other political prisoners. The award ceremony commences in Parliament’s chamber at 12.00 CET.