Crimean Tatar leader nominated for EU's Sakharov Prize

The European People's Party will nominate Dzhemilev on September 14. The European Conservatives and Reformists bloc -- consisting of Britain's Conservative Party and the Polish Law and Justice party nominated him a day earlier. Dzhemilev is expected to be one of the three shortlisted candidates chosen by the European Parliament's foreign affairs and development committees vote on October 11. Members of the European Parliament will decide the winner on October 27. Dzhemilev is a Ukrainian lawmaker and a well-known Soviet-era human rights activist. Dzhemilev, a former chairman of the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar people who strongly opposed Crimea's occupation and annexation by Russia, is currently living in Kyiv. The Sakharov Prize - with a cash prize of 50,000 euros ($57,206) - has been handed out since 1988 to honor individuals and organizations who defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.