The three major political groups in the European Parliament all say they no longer support a Sakharov prize nominee because of his homophobic views.
The centre-right European People's Party (EPP), centre-left Socialists & Democrats (S&D), and liberal Renew Europe had jointly co-nominated Belarus dissident Paval Sieviaryniec as part of collection of names for the annual freedom of thought prize.
The decision to withdraw his name came hours after Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a member for as low as €1,75 per week.To read this story, log in or subscribe
Nikolaj joined EUobserver in 2012 and covers home affairs. He is originally from Denmark, but spent much of his life in France and in Belgium. He was awarded the King Baudouin Foundation grant for investigative journalism in 2010.
Nikolaj joined EUobserver in 2012 and covers home affairs. He is originally from Denmark, but spent much of his life in France and in Belgium. He was awarded the King Baudouin Foundation grant for investigative journalism in 2010.