صحفيان خلف القضبان.. ويتوجان بأرفع جائزة أوروبية

In a pivotal moment, the European Parliament announced the victory of imprisoned journalists from Belarus and Georgia for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought for 2025, the highest award given annually to those who defend human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide.

The winners are Andrei Pochobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, who are currently behind bars due to their independent media activities and their revelations of the truth, in two countries facing increasing accusations of suppressing freedom of expression and the press.

Who is Andrei Pochobut?

• Age: 52 years

• Country: Belarus
• Occupation: Correspondent for the Polish newspaper "Gazeta Wyborcza"
• Sentence: 8 years in prison
• Charges: "Harming national security"

Pochobut is imprisoned in the notorious Novopolotsk prison, amidst deteriorating health conditions, and was sentenced based on charges described as political. He has repeatedly been subjected to solitary confinement, despite suffering from heart problems.

Who is Mzia Amaglobeli?

• Country: Georgia

• Occupation: Founder of the newspapers "Batumelebi" and "Netgazeti"
• Sentence: 2 years in prison
• Case: Slapping a police officer during a protest against the government

Amaglobeli is one of the leading journalists in the South Caucasus, leading investigative coverage on corruption, freedoms, and human rights. Her trial has drawn international criticism, with human rights organizations describing it as an attempt to silence independent media.

European Parliament: "Journalism is not a crime"

In her speech before the parliament members in Strasbourg, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated: "Both are imprisoned because they dared to tell the truth. But their courage has made them symbols of the struggle for democracy. Today's award is a cry: journalism is not a crime."

Meanwhile, Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya added: "This award is a message to every political prisoner: you are not alone."

What is the Sakharov Prize?

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was established in 1988 and is named after the Soviet dissident scientist Andrei Sakharov. It is awarded annually to individuals or groups defending:

• Freedom of opinion
• Human rights
• Democracy
• Human dignity

Notable previous winners include Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and Nadia Murad. Some of them later received the Nobel Peace Prize.

The prize comes with a financial reward of 50,000 euros and will be officially presented in December during a ceremony at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Repression and Rising Tensions

In Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled the country for over 30 years. The West has repeatedly condemned what it describes as "stolen elections" and the brutal repression of the opposition and journalists.

In Georgia, the practices of the ruling "Georgian Dream" party have sparked widespread public anger and protests, amid accusations of undermining democracy with Russian support.

During her trial sessions, Amaglobeli stated: "Do not lose hope... the struggle continues until victory."