Mahsa Amini died in police custody in Iran after being detained for allegedly violating headscarf law. Her death sparked protests across Iran. 2

Iranian security forces responded violently - over 500 protesters killed, 22,000 detained according to rights groups.

Amini posthumously awarded prestigious EU Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought for her role in catalyzing protests.

Sakharov Prize ceremony scheduled for December 13 - keeps attention on Iran's human rights abuses and provides hope to protesters.