European Parliament Awards 2025 Sakharov Prize to Jailed Journalists From Belarus and Georgia

December 17, 2025 – Belarus/Georgia – 

The European Parliament has awarded its 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to two imprisoned journalists from Belarus and Georgia, honoring their courage and resilience in the face of repression for carrying out their professional duties.

The prize has been awarded to Andrzej Poczobut, a Belarusian journalist and activist, and Mzia Amaglobeli, a Georgian journalist, both of whom are currently detained over their reporting. The decision highlights growing concern within the European Union over the continued persecution of journalists across Europe and its neighboring regions.

In announcing the award, the European Parliament said the two journalists symbolize the broader struggle for press freedom and the right to free expression. Lawmakers emphasized that journalism is not a crime and that imprisoning reporters for their work represents a direct attack on democratic values and human rights.

Poczobut has been repeatedly targeted by Belarusian authorities for his reporting on political repression, civil liberties, and human-rights abuses under President Alexander Lukashenko’s government. His detention is widely viewed as part of a systematic crackdown on independent media and dissent in Belarus, where dozens of journalists remain behind bars or in exile.

Amaglobeli’s case has drawn attention to the increasing pressure on independent journalism in Georgia. She was detained following coverage of sensitive political issues, raising alarms among press-freedom groups about shrinking space for critical reporting and the use of legal measures to intimidate journalists.

The Sakharov Prize, established in 1988, is the European Union’s highest award for human rights. It recognizes individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions to the defense of freedom of thought, democracy, and human dignity. By selecting jailed journalists as laureates, the Parliament sent a clear political message condemning the use of imprisonment to silence the press.

Press-freedom organizations welcomed the decision, saying it brings international visibility to the journalists’ cases and increases pressure on authorities to release them. Advocates stressed that international recognition can protect by ensuring cases remain in the global spotlight.

While the award does not guarantee immediate release, supporters say it strengthens diplomatic and moral pressure on governments that criminalize journalism. The European Parliament reiterated its call for the unconditional release of both journalists and urged all states to respect international obligations to protect media workers.

As attacks on journalists continue worldwide, the 2025 Sakharov Prize serves as a reminder that defending press freedom remains central to the fight for democracy and human rights.

Reference – 

Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought awarded to Belarusian and Georgian journalists jailed for doing their job

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20251211IPR32165/2025-sakharov-prize-parliament-honours-andrzej-poczobut-and-mzia-amaglobeli

https://europeannewsroom.com/eu-rights-award-given-to-jailed-journalists-from-georgia-and-belarus/