I don't understand why people say that I am full of courage. I feel terribly nervous.

That's not how politics works - sometimes things move in a rather imperceptible way. There are no fireworks, and then comes a time when change comes unexpectedly. Sometimes change comes with a lot of fireworks, but not always.

If the restrictions on the work of my party and on me personally are not removed in the very, very near future - that is in a matter of days - I think the United States should start thinking seriously of sanctions. This is really about as bad as it has ever been.

Fundamental violations of human rights always lead to people feeling less and less human.

All repressive laws must be revoked, and laws introduced to protect the rights of the people.

People ask me about what sacrifices I've made. I always answer: I've made no sacrifices, I've made choices.

I wish people wouldn't think of me as a saint - unless they agree with the definition of a saint that a saint's a sinner who goes on trying.