Hu Jia

Hu Jia, "one of China's best-known dissidents, was yesterday [2008] awarded an EU human rights prize, despite a warning from Beijing that selecting the political prisoner would damage relations.

"His wife and supporters welcomed the news that MEPs had picked him for the Sakharov prize, worth €50,000 (£39,500) Previous recipients include Nelson Mandela and the East Timorese leader, Xanana Gusmao."