This year, the Sakharov Human Rights Prize was awarded to Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli. The prize was accepted by their representatives. For the Belarusian Andrzej Poczobut, his daughter Jana accepted the prize. For the Georgian Mzia Amaglobeli, fellow journalist Irma Dimitradze did so.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola presented the prize. She emphasized that journalists must not be silenced. In her speech, she also called for the release of both laureates.
Andrzej Poczobut is imprisoned in Belarus. He was sentenced to eight years in prison. Poczobut's family has lived for years without direct contact with him. His daughter said it is important for her family that he is not forgotten and that his name is publicly mentioned.
Mzia Amaglobeli is imprisoned in Georgia. She could also not be present at the award ceremony. Her representative accepted the prize on her behalf and spoke about the importance of free journalism and solidarity with colleagues who are detained.
Both journalists are honored by EU politicians for their commitment to freedom of thought and expression. The Sakharov Prize is the European Parliament’s human rights award. The distinction has existed since 1988 and is named after the Russian dissident Andrei Sakharov.