On the second anniversary of the failed assassination of Dr. Alejo Vidal-Quadras, founder and president of the International Committee in Search of Justice (ISJ), he was announced as one of the recipients of the “Freedom Fighters” award. The prize was presented by the prestigious Spanish newspaper Okdiario in a grand ceremony held in Madrid. The two other winners of the award were Pilar Elías from Spain and Ms. María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The award ceremony was attended by prominent political and media figures, including the President of the Spanish Senate and the President of the People’s Party of Spain. Speech by Carlos Sobera, Host of the Ceremony:
“Today, Okdiario aims to honor individuals who, throughout their lives, have demonstrated that vital principles such as courage, dignity, independence, and freedom should not be mere empty words, but values to be upheld at any cost, even if painful at times. The first award tonight goes to a man who has defended his convictions with absolute resolve. He has paid a very heavy price for it. He survived a brutal assassination attempt—shot at close range—but he is still here, and more importantly, he continues his path with dignity and steadfastness… This award honors value, courage, and freedom. It is for Alejo Vidal-Quadras.”
Speech by Professor Vidal-Quadras:
“Freedom is the highest value in human societies that have achieved the greatest levels of prosperity, security, stability, and collective dignity. As stated in the sacred texts, freedom is inextricably linked to truth. The issue is that freedom is a flower whose fragrance gives life and creates transcendence, but it has a fragile stem requiring constant care and attention, as its enemies multiply, spread, and never rest. The struggle for freedom is eternal. Sometimes it unfolds in the realm of ideas, arguments, and ballot boxes; other times, it demands the price of blood—as we, tonight’s Okdiario award winners, know from direct experience. It is no coincidence that the greatest pen in our literature wrote: ‘For freedom, one can and must risk one’s life.’ This fight is both an inescapable duty and a transcendent mission. There is no doubt that the award Okdiario has bestowed upon us in its tenth anniversary year will serve as a valuable motivation to continue this path without hesitation or weakness.”
Report by Benjamín Santamaría in Okdiario: Vidal-Quadras has always maintained a resolute defense of freedom, Spanish unity, and democratic values.
Now, Okdiario wished to recognize his integrity and unwavering commitment to freedom of thought by awarding him the Freedom Fighters prize. The former president of the People’s Party in Catalonia and former Vice-President of the European Parliament was attacked in Madrid on November 9, 2023. He survived and, after a long recovery, returned to political life with the same conviction that has always defined him. Santamaría added: When Alejo Vidal-Quadras entered the European Parliament, he became acquainted with the Iranian Resistance and the National Council of Resistance of Iran, eventually becoming one of the most active international politicians in supporting the Iranian Resistance and fighting against Iran’s fundamentalist regime.
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The International Committee in Search of Justice (ISJ) is proud to present its president, Professor Alejo Vidal-Quadras, as a living symbol of courage in the face of tyranny and loyalty to the cause of freedom. Link to the full Okdiario report