Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli shortlisted for Sakharov Prize 2025

Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, journalists from Belarus and Georgia, have been shortlisted jointly for the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, following the nomination by the EPP Group. 

“Andrzej Poczobut – an indomitable European. A seeker of truth. For his loyalty to his ideals, he paid a high price. Yet even in a cold cell, one can remain faithful to one’s ideals – Andrzej Poczobut embodies this truth” says Łukasz Kohut MEP, Vice-Chair of the Sub-committee on Human Rights and co-initiator of the nomination.

“Mzia Amaglobeli is not just a brave journalist; she is a symbol of the entire Georgian nation fighting for a free, democratic, and European future. In current turbulent times, she is sending a message to all of us: “Fight before it is too late,” adds Rasa Juknevičienė MEP, Parliament's standing rapporteur on Georgia and co-initiator of the nomination. 

“Together, Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli represent two fronts of the same struggle - the defence of truth, dignity, and free expression against Kremlin-sponsored tyranny. They keep fighting for the freedom of their compatriots - and ours. Their stories mirror each other: journalists who chose conscience over fear, justice over silence. From Belarus to Georgia, from Ukraine to Moldova, their courage resonates across a region fighting for freedom in the shadow of oppression and Russian imperial influence. Honouring Poczobut and Amaglobeli is more than a tribute to two remarkable individuals - it is a statement of solidarity with all who risk their freedom to defend democracy and the values on which Europe stands”, stresses Andrzej Halicki MEP, EPP Group Vice Chair for Foreign Affairs. 

The Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament will choose the laureate from among three shortlisted names next week, on Wednesday, 22 October.