Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov has been awarded this year’s European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani announced the winner, following decision by the Conference of Presidents.

“Through his courage and determination, by putting his life in danger, Sentsov has become a symbol of the struggle for the release of political prisoners held in Russia and around the world. By awarding him the Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament is expressing its solidarity with him and his cause. We ask that he be released immediately. His struggle reminds us that it is our duty to defend human rights everywhere in the world and under all circumstances,” Tajani said.

Sentsov is a Ukrainian film director who has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for “plotting terrorist acts” against the Russian “de facto” rule in Crimea. The two other finalists were 11 non-governmental organisations rescuing migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea and Nasser Zefzafi, leader of the Moroccan mass protest movement, Hirak.

The Sakharov award ceremony will be held in Strasbourg on 12 December.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Last year, the prize was given to the democratic opposition in Venezuela. It is named in honour of Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov.