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Congolese rape doctor, Ukraine rights group up for EU prize

19 September 2014, 14:43 CET
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(BRUSSELS) - A Congolese doctor renowned for his fearless work with rape victims and Ukraine's pro-Western protesters were among those nominated on Friday for the European Parliament's prestigious Sakharov human rights prize.

Denis Mukwege, who has been in the running several times for the Nobel Peace Prize, set up a hospital to help tens of thousands of women raped by soldiers and militiamen in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kiev's "Euromaidan" protesters, represented by three individuals, were nominated for their role in bringing down pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych after months of demonstrations in Ukraine earlier this year.

Among the five other nominees was Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former Dutch MP of Somali origin who has received death threats for criticising Islam.

The Sakharov Prize, named after the famous Russian scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, recognises significant contributions to the promotion of human rights and democracy around the world.

Last year, Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai won for her campaign to ensure the right of all girls and boys to an education. She gained worldwide renown after being shot in the head by a member of the Taliban and surviving.

Three of the seven candidates will be shortlisted next month and the winner named on October 16.

Other past recipients of the 50,000 euro ($68,000) prize include South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela and former UN secretary general Kofi Annan.

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought


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