Sakharov Prize 2025: Mzia Amaghlobeli and Andrzej Poczobut — Two Imprisoned Journalists Fighting for Press Freedom

Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the two laureates “are behind bars on fabricated charges simply for doing their jobs and speaking out against injustice. Their courage has made them symbols of the fight for freedom and democracy.”

Andrzej Poczobut: A Voice Silenced in Belarus
Andrzej Poczobut, a veteran correspondent for Poland’s Gazeta Wyborcza, was sentenced by Alexander Lukashenko’s regime to eight years in prison for allegedly “undermining Belarusian national security.” He is currently serving his sentence in the Novopolotsk penal colony.
Despite serious health issues, Poczobut remains a symbol of resilience and journalistic integrity for independent reporters in Belarus.
His newspaper described the award as “a pebble that could start an avalanche — a spark of hope for Andrzej’s release, and a reminder of Europe’s commitment to press freedom.”

Mzia Amaghlobeli: Standing Up to Repression in Georgia
Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of the independent news outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of “assaulting a police officer” during an anti-government protest — accusations that human rights organisations have denounced as politically motivated.
During her trial, Amaghlobeli called on her colleagues and fellow citizens “not to lose faith in their own strength” and to continue “the fight for a free and just society.”
Her case reflects the growing concern over press freedom in Georgia, as the ruling Georgian Dream party faces mounting criticism from international observers for crackdowns on civil society and its increasingly close ties with Moscow.

The Sakharov Prize
Established in 1988, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is named after Andrei Sakharov, the Soviet physicist, dissident, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. It represents the European Union’s highest honour for individuals or organisations defending human rights, democracy, and freedom of expression.
This year’s laureates were selected by senior representatives of the European Parliament’s political groups. As President Metsola reminded, “the Sakharov Prize is more than an award — it is a call for solidarity with those deprived of their freedom because they dared to speak out.”
Past recipients include Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Denis Mukwege, and Nadia Murad — many of whom later went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

The award ceremony will take place in December in Strasbourg, at the European Parliament’s seat. The prize carries a monetary grant of €50,000.