Commenting on the outcome of a decision by European Parliament group leaders to award the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to journalists Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, ECR Group Co-Chair Patryk Jaki said:

“The flame that Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli have kept alive despite imprisonment and persecution inspires all their compatriots in Belarus and Georgia who dream of a free and democratic future.

“We salute their courage and their selfless example. Their refusal to compromise their values despite all the pressure they face should encourage us all to redouble our efforts to support democracy and freedom in their countries.”

Fellow ECR Group Co-Chair Nicola Procaccini said:

“This award underlines the courage of Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, who refuse to compromise their values, even at great personal cost.

“The people of Belarus and Georgia deserve to live in free and democratic societies, and as this award shows, we will never stop fighting for that.”

The award of the Sakharov Prize to Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli came after the ECR Group and the EPP Group combined their respective nominees into a joint nomination – one that reflects the dangers journalists face around the world in holding power to account.

Polish MEP Małgorzata Gosiewska said:

“I’m delighted that the sacrifices and bravery of these heroic and determined individuals have been recognised by the European Parliament.

“They are in jail simply for their principles, which are principles we all hold dear — democracy, freedom and the rule of law.

“Change will surely come to Belarus and Georgia, and when that happens, it will be because of the commitment and integrity of Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli.”