Courageous voices in focus: Sakharov Prize honors Poczobut and Amaglobeli

Courageous voices in focus: Sakharov Prize honors Poczobut and Amaglobeli

On October 27, 2025, the awarding of the Sakharov Prize, which honors human rights and freedom of expression, will be particularly discussed. This year Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli will receive this award. Both stand for tireless resistance against draconian regimes in their home countries. Poczobut, a journalist and blogger from the Polish minority in Belarus, is known for his critical stance against the Lukashenka regime and fights for human rights. Unfortunately, he is currently in custody and his health remains uncertain. His fate caused a stir not only in Europe but worldwide. The European Parliament therefore calls for his immediate and unconditional release, as the circumstances in which he is being held are becoming increasingly worrying. Europarl reports on the fates of these brave actors.

Mzia Amaglobeli, however, the director of the Georgian online media Batumelebi and Netgazeti, is celebrated as the first female political prisoner after Georgia's independence. Her arrest in January 2025 after taking part in anti-government protests made her a symbolic figure for the pro-democracy movement in Georgia. The charges against them are clearly politically motivated and represent a further setback for freedom of expression in the region. The situation in Georgia remains tense, especially after the disputed elections in October 2024, in which the Georgian Dream party, linked to the regime, remained in power. Europarl highlights the importance of their struggles.

Films and discussions in Vienna

To honor these brave people, the European Parliament's Liaison Office in Vienna is inviting people to a special event. A film screening of the film “Under the Gray Sky” will take place at the TOP Cinema on December 5, 2025. The film, inspired by Belarusian journalist Katsiaryna Andreyeva, who is serving an eight-year prison sentence, shows the stories of journalists who continue to fight for their rights and those of society despite political pressure and repression in Belarus. Such stories are extremely important in raising awareness of the injustices in these countries. Europarl provides information about the event.

This event is free to attend, providing a great opportunity to learn about the challenges journalists face and honor the courage of these fighters for freedom and human rights. To ensure that there are enough places available, we recommend registering by email to EPWien@europarl.europa.eu. This initiative is intended not only to honor the award winners, but also to serve as a platform for dialogue and discussion on the important issues of freedom of expression and democratic rights.

At a time when freedom of expression is often under threat, the struggles of Poczobut and Amaglobeli are a shining example of the unwavering courage of human rights activists who stand up for their beliefs despite considerable personal risk. Their stories remind us that our commitment to freedom and justice remains necessary.