Sakharov Prize 2025: An example of journalism in defense of human rights

Why in discussion ?

The European Union has announced the award of its highest human rights honour, the Sakharov Prize, for the year 2025 to two imprisoned journalists, Andrzej Poczobut of Belarus and Mzia Amaghlobeli of Georgia.

About the Sakharov Prize

• Established: 1988 by the European Parliament.
• Memorial: The award is named after Soviet scientist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov.
• Special: Awarded to individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions to the defense of human rights, freedom of expression, and democratic values.
• Amount: The award carries a sum of 50,000 euros (approximately ₹4.5 million).
• Prominent winners: Previous winners include Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan), and Denis Mukwege (Congolese human rights activist).

Sakharov Prize 2025: Winners

Andrzej Poczobut

• Prominent Belarusian journalist and human rights advocate.
• Belarus correspondent for Gazeta Wyborcza, a leading Polish newspaper.
• Consistently reporting in support of democratic movements and press freedom.
• Sentenced to 8 years in prison on trumped-up charges.

Mzia Amaghlobeli

• Prominent Georgian journalist and founder of independent media organizations.
• She founded two independent Georgian media outlets that provide truthful and unbiased news to the public.
• Mzia boldly reported against government repression and media censorship.
• In August 2025, she was sentenced to two years in prison for slapping a police chief at an anti-government protest.
• Her struggle drew global attention to media freedom and democratic rights.

Work and Contribution

• Both Pozobut and Amaglobeli set a courageous example of speaking truth to power and advocating for justice.
• Their work sent the message that journalism is not a crime and that freedom of expression is essential in a democracy.
• This award recognizes the courage and struggle of journalists and human rights defenders.
• It demonstrates that democracy, justice, and freedom of expression are the fundamental principles of global society.