The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Soviet scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, was established in December 1988 by the European Parliament as a means to honour individuals or organisations who dedicate their lives to the defence of human rights and freedoms, particularly the right to freedom of expression.
Tāpat kā Andrejs Saharovs, arī Saharova prēmijas laureāti liecina, cik lielai drosmei ir jābūt, lai aizstāvētu cilvēktiesības un izteiksmes brīvību.