Voorzitter Europarlement Buzek staat stil bij overlijden Russische dissident Bonner (en)

European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek i sends his condolences to the family of Elena Bonner, human rights activist in Russia.

President Buzek said:

"Today, the world lost one of the most inspiring and dedicated human rights defenders. On behalf of the European Parliament, I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the family, friends and to the members of the Moscow Helsinki Group on the death of Elena Bonner. She dedicated her whole life to the service of the people in need. During the Second World War, she nursed those who fought for their country. Later, she risked her life to help political prisoners and their families.

Elena Bonner fought fiercely for the rights of the individual and family of every ethnic group and every state. She witnessed and influenced the 20th century. Along with her husband, scientist and human rights defender Andrei Sakharov, she gave hope to the people in desperate need for freedom and justice.

As Ms Bonner stated in 2008 in the European Parliament: "we should never make concessions when human rights are in danger", we will always support the people, like her, who have devoted their lives to freedom in their country and thus carry the hopes of millions of people in their home country and worldwide.

I pay tribute to all her work, courage and dedication in the service of people. She will always remain in our hearts."

Note to editors:

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, has been awarded by the European Parliament every year since 1988 to individuals or organisations that have made an important contribution to the fight for human rights or democracy.

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