Venezuela opposition receives EP's human rights prize

BRUSSELS, Dec 13 (KUNA) -- Representatives of the democratic opposition of Venezuela received Wednesday the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought during a ceremony in Strasbourg.
While presenting the prize, EP President Antonio Tajani noted, "The Prize is for all Venezuelans in the world".
He said that the human rights situation in Venezuela was deteriorating and called for a "return to free elections with the participation of all, so that the Venezuelan people can decide their future".
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought consists of a certificate and 50,000 euro (USD 59,000), and it was named in honor of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov.
The prize is awarded each year by the EP. It was set up in 1988 to honor individuals and organizations who defend human rights and the fundamental freedoms. (end) nk.mys