November 20, 2002

The jury of the Olaf Palme Prize has awarded Palestinian terror apologist Hanan Ashrawi the honor this year for her work for Palestinian independence.

In a statement from Stockholm Wednesday, the jury said it chose Ashrawi for what it called her "fearless fight" over the years for the Palestinian people. The jury called her an "inspiring symbol of a new, democratic, peaceful Middle East."

Ashrawi, who speaks fluent English, is frequently featured on U.S. television explaining why she believes that Palestinian suicide bombings and other terrorist activities are justified.

The annual prize, which honors the memory of assassinated Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme, carries a $50,000 cash award and a diploma. Ashrawi will receive the prize at a ceremony in Stockholm on January 30, the anniversary of Palme's birth.

Previous winners of the award include Czech President Vaclav Havel and human rights organization Amnesty International.