By: The Trek News Desk
In a bold statement supporting press freedom and human rights, the European Parliament has awarded its most prestigious human rights recognition, the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to two jailed journalists from Belarus and Georgia: Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli.
Who Are the Laureates?
Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist working with the respected Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza, is currently serving an eight-year sentence in Belarus. He was convicted on charges of “harming national security”, charges widely condemned as politically motivated and unjust.
Mzia Amaglobeli, a trailblazing media entrepreneur in Georgia, founded two independent news outlets in a country where press freedom has come under increasing threat. In August, she was sentenced to two years in prison for allegedly slapping a police chief during an anti-government protest. Human rights groups have criticised the case as a clear attempt to silence critical journalism.
What the EU Said
Announcing the award on Wednesday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Parliament President Roberta Metsola said:
“Both journalists are behind bars today, not for crimes, but for courageously reporting the truth and speaking out against injustice. Their bravery has made them enduring symbols in the global struggle for freedom and democracy.”
About the Sakharov Prize
Established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov, the prize honours individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions to the defence of human rights and freedom of expression.
Winners are chosen by senior members of the European Parliament from nominees proposed by various political groups. The award carries a monetary grant of €50,000 (approx. $58,000) and will be formally presented in December at the Parliament’s headquarters in Strasbourg.
Legacy of the Sakharov Prize
Over the decades, the Sakharov Prize has recognised many figures who later received global acclaim, including Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Denis Mukwege, and Nadia Murad.
Just last year, María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who recently won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, was honoured with the Sakharov as well, cementing the prize’s reputation as a bellwether of international recognition.
Reactions & Significance
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian opposition leader and a 2020 Sakharov laureate, praised the choice, stating:
“This award sends a clear and powerful message to all political prisoners: you are not forgotten, and journalism is not a crime.”
The recognition arrives at a time when authoritarian crackdowns on press freedom have intensified in several parts of the world, making the award not only symbolic but deeply relevant.
The Bigger Picture
As Europe continues to grapple with the erosion of democratic norms at its edges, the 2025 Sakharov Prize reinforces a core EU principle: freedom of the press and the right to speak truth to power are non-negotiable.
In honouring these two journalists, the EU affirms that truth-tellers, even when silenced by force, are never alone.
Source: News Agencies
