Two journalists—Mzia Amaglobeli of Georgia and ECR Group candidate Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish-Belarusian social activist — have been named laureates of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, which will be awarded by the Parliament on December 16.
Commenting on the decision by the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, ECR Group Co-Chair Patryk Jaki said: “The flame that Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli keep alive despite imprisonment and persecution inspires all their compatriots in Belarus and Georgia who dream of a free and democratic future. We pay tribute to their courage and selfless dedication. Their steadfast stance, despite enormous pressure, should encourage us all to redouble our efforts to support democracy and freedom in their countries.”
PiS MEP Małgorzata Gosiewska, who initiated the nomination of Andrzej Poczobut, said: “I am glad that the dedication and courage of these heroic and steadfast individuals have been recognized by the European Parliament. They are in prison simply because they want principles in their countries that are close to all of our hearts—democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Change in Belarus and Georgia will certainly come, and it will happen thanks to people like Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli.”
