“Education and democratic development go hand in hand. One is worthless without the other. This is as true in Russia as it is in Pakistan, or anywhere else for that matter.

Malala’s story is truly inspiring. Her mental strength is an example to us all. Not only did she defy her oppressors and campaign for girls’ education, but she had the mental and physical strength to recover from the attack that nearly killed her.

Her resistance, her courage and her unquenchable optimism make her a worthy winner of the Sakharov Prize and an heir to the legacy of Andrei Dmitrievich. I congratulate her wholeheartedly.”