In 1988, Nelson Mandela was the first winner of the Sakharov Prize alongside Soviet dissident, author and human rights activist Anatoly Marchenko. During the plenary session of 12 February Enrique Barόn Crespo, President of the European Parliament, read a telegram sent on behalf of Parliament to the South African politician upon his release from prison. A few weeks later, Mandela would visit the Parliament to accept the award.

Shortly after his release, Nelson Mandela, Leader of the African National Congress (ANC) spoke to the European Parliament of the need for a just and lasting solution for South Africa where all the people, "both black and white, emerge as victors." He also received the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 1988. © European Union

Addressing Parliament, President Barón Crespo spoke, 

“As you know, the South African Government yesterday released Nelson Mandela after almost 28 years of imprisonment. Without wishing to anticipate the debate which Parliament will probably hold on Thursday, I should like to express the satisfaction of the European Parliament at this development which paves the way for the introduction of a genuinely democratic system in South Africa. 

I should like to read to you the telegram which I sent personally yesterday to Mr Mandela. This reads as follows:

‘Personally and on behalf of the European Parliament I should like to express to you and your family our sincere pleasure that you have regained your liberty. We all share your joy and emotion. For many years the European Parliament has been supporting all the efforts made to secure your release and has totally rejected the system of apartheid. Important work awaits you and we wish you success in your struggle to establish by peaceful means a multiracial society in South Africa in which the various communities can live together in harmony. The European Parliament would be extremely pleased if you could visit us in the near future as the first recipient of the Sakharov Prize...
(Applause)
for freedom of expression...
(Applause)
which was presented to your nephew because you were in prison.’ ”

Read the entire debate here.