European Parliament Honors Courageous Journalists Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli with Sakharov Prize

On Tuesday, the European Parliament awarded the prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to imprisoned journalists Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia. The announcement was made by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who highlighted the courageous actions of both journalists as a beacon for those fighting against oppression. Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist, essayist, and activist for the Polish minority in Belarus, has been a staunch critic of the regime led by the longest-serving dictator in Europe, Aleksander Lukashenko. Arrested multiple times, Poczobut has been imprisoned since 2021, facing an eight-year sentence under politically motivated charges aimed at suppressing independent voices. Reports indicate that his health has significantly deteriorated in prison, where he has been denied essential medical care. The European Parliament has voiced its support, demanding Poczobut's immediate and unconditional release and condemning the charges as a violation of freedom of expression. In Belarus, the clampdown on independent media has reached alarming levels, making it the most dangerous country in Europe for journalists. Following a controversial presidential election in August 2020, media outlets faced unprecedented repression, including the well-known Tutby news website, which was stripped of its media status and declared extremist by the government. Mzia Amaglobeli, a Georgian journalist and the director of digital platforms Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was arrested in January 2025 during anti-government protests. Her brave actions garnered worldwide attention, particularly after she slapped a police chief while advocating for her country's expedited accession to the European Union. Celebrated as a symbol of resistance, the 50-year-old Amaglobeli is regarded as Georgia's first political prisoner since gaining independence from the USSR in 1991. Sentenced to two years in prison, her health has also declined, prompting concerns from organizations such as Amnesty International. The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded yearly since 1988, recognizes individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to the protection of freedom and human rights. Previous laureates include Nelson Mandela, alongside various activists and leaders dedicated to the cause of democracy worldwide. This year’s selection of Poczobut and Amaglobeli highlights the ongoing struggle for press freedom and democracy in Europe, particularly in regions grappling with authoritarianism. As the European Parliament prepares for the award ceremony on December 16, both Poczobut and Amaglobeli serve as poignant reminders of the price many pay for truth and justice in societies where freedom of expression is under siege. Their stories resonate as part of a broader narrative on the defense of human rights and the fight against oppression, echoing the values upon which the European Union was founded. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2