Mr. Li Hongzhi has been nominated by the European Parliament for the 2001 Sakharov Award. The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been presented every year since 1988 to an individual or organization for making significant contributions to the promotion of human rights and basic freedom, and for firmly opposing persecution and injustice.

Over 28 European Parliament members representing different political groups nominated Mr. Li Hongzhi for this prize. Many other members also strongly supported the nomination to recognize Mr. Li's outstanding contribution to the improvement of mankind's mental and physical health and freedom of belief.

Mr. Li Hongzhi and Falun Gong have been honored with over 600 proclamations and awards from Australia, Canada, China (before the persecution), Japan, Russia, and the United States. Also, according to media reports, Mr. Li Hongzhi has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and is in a lead position among the candidates for this award.