Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2011

Mohamed Bouazizi proves that history is not written only by military leaders or politicians. A market trader from a small town in the Tunisian hinterland, Bouazizi was one among many young men frustrated by oppression and a lack of prospects.

He had complained about harassment by officials previously, but the confiscation of his wares in December 2010 and a further beating by officials pushed him over the edge. Tragically, in protest, he set himself on fire in front of the governor's office. Bystanders tried to douse the flames, but he was severely burned and succumbed to his injuries on 4 January 2011.

In an attempt to calm public outrage, Tunisia's long-time President Ben Ali visited the comatose Bouazizi in hospital. But public sympathy and anger inspired by Bouazizi's death finally led to the ousting of Ben Ali and his regime. Uprisings also erupted in other North African and Arab countries such as Egypt, Libya and Syria, collectively known as the "Arab Spring".