Imprisoned Georgian Journalist Amaghlobeli awarded EU’s top human rights honor, Sakharov prize

The European Parliament has named Mzia Amaghlobeli, imprisoned Georgian journalist and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, as one of the two laureates of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the EU’s highest human rights award.

Amaghlobeli shared this year’s award with Andrzej Poczobut, a Belarusian journalist and political prisoner.

The announcement was made on 22 October in Strasbourg by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola during the Parliament’s plenary session.

“Both journalists are now in prison on false charges, only because they were doing their jobs - speaking out against injustice,” Metsola said. “Their courage has made them symbols of the fight for freedom and democracy. This institution stands with them and with all who continue to demand freedom.”

The Sakharov Prize, established in 1988 in honor of Russian scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, recognizes individuals and organizations that show exceptional dedication to defending human rights and freedom of expression. It has become one of the European Parliament’s most significant instruments of moral and political support for democratic values worldwide.