Jailed Georgian and Belarussian journalists win top EU rights prize

Previous winner went on to win Nobel Peace Prize

Two jailed journalists, Georgia’s Mzia Amaglobeli—founder of Netgazeti and Batumelebi—and Belarusian reporter Andrzej Poczobut, have been announced as the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The honour, bestowed by the European Parliament, recognises those who have made outstanding contributions to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

In a statement revealing this year’s laureates, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola praised the pair, remarking that “the courage of Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli shines like a beacon for all who refuse to be silenced.” Both will receive a €50,000 prize, and the formal award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Strasbourg on 16 December.

Named after a Soviet dissident

The Sakharov Prize, established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded annually to individuals and organisations demonstrating exceptional commitment to defending fundamental freedoms and minority rights. This year’s shortlist also featured a student-led protest movement mobilising hundreds of thousands in Serbia, along with aid workers and journalists operating in Gaza.

Last year’s winners were Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and her ally, former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Machado subsequently went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year.

(Michael Leahy. Source: Le Monde et al. Photo: Unsplash)