Photo images Credit: © L.S/ Belta AFP & Z.T/Netgazeti
MEPs have welcomed the decision by European Parliament group leaders to award the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to journalists Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli.
Named after the Soviet dissident Andrej Sakharov it is the EU’s highest distinction in the field of human rights.
Every year since 1988, Parliament has awarded it to individuals, groups or organisations in recognition of their work to defend human rights, freedom of expression and democratic values.
The announcement was made in Strasbourg, France where MEPs are sitting for the October plenary this week.
The two reporters were imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia.
Poczobut is a journalist, essayist, blogger and activist from the Polish minority in Belarus. Known for his outspoken criticism of the Lukashenka regime and his writings on history and human rights, he has been arrested many times. Detained since 2021, he was sentenced to eight years in a penal colony.
His health has since deteriorated but, despite not receiving the medical care he needs, he is still fighting for freedom and democracy.
Poczobut’s current state of health is unknown and his family is not allowed to visit.
Amaglobeli, a Georgian journalist and director of online media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was arrested in January 2025 for joining anti-government protests in Georgia. In August, she was sentenced to two years in prison on political grounds.
Georgia’s first female political prisoner since the country’s independence and a defender of freedom of expression, Amaglobeli has become the figurehead for Georgia’s pro-democracy protest movement, opposing the ruling ‘Georgian Dream’ party’s regime since the contested October 2024 elections.
MEPs were swift to comment with ECR Group Co-Chair Patryk Jaki warmly greeting the decision.
Speaking on Wednesday, he said, “The flame that Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli have kept alive despite imprisonment and persecution inspires all their compatriots in Belarus and Georgia who dream of a free and democratic future.”
“We salute their courage and their selfless example. Their refusal to compromise their values despite all the pressure they face should encourage us all to redouble our efforts to support democracy and freedom in their countries.”
Fellow ECR Group Co-Chair Nicola Procaccini noted, “This award underlines the courage of Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, who refuse to compromise their values, even at great personal cost.”
“The people of Belarus and Georgia deserve to live in free and democratic societies, and as this award shows, we will never stop fighting for that.”
The award of the Sakharov Prize to Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli came after the ECR Group and the EPP Group combined their respective nominees into a joint nomination – one that reflects the dangers journalists face around the world in holding power to account.
Polish MEP Małgorzata Gosiewska also commented, saying, “I’m delighted that the sacrifices and bravery of these heroic and determined individuals have been recognised by the European Parliament.”
“They are in jail simply for their principles, which are principles we all hold dear — democracy, freedom and the rule of law.”
“Change will surely come to Belarus and Georgia, and when that happens, it will be because of the commitment and integrity of Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli.”
