Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought

Some New Year goodwill was lacking from the Moscow police force when they briefly arrested some 50 human rights activists on 31 December. Among them was 82-year old Lyudmila Alexeyeva who in December was awarded Parliament's Sakharov human rights prize. They were detained whilst trying to prove their right to enjoy Article 31 of the Russian Constitution which guarantees the right to freedom of assembly.

Sergei Kovalev, former political prisoner turned activist for Russian human rights group Memorial gave an emotional and heartfelt address to the European Parliament on Wednesday 16 December. He was there with Oleg Orlov and Lyudmila Alexeyeva to collect Parliament's prestigious annual Sakharov human rights prize. Mr Kovalev spoke of his murdered colleagues and the need for Europe to apply support and pressure in its dealing with Moscow.