The European Parliament has awarded its 2025 Sakharov human rights prize to imprisoned journalists Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia, highlighting their courageous advocacy for freedom and democracy amidst ongoing repression.

Poczobut, a Belarusian of Polish descent, has faced multiple imprisonments for criticizing President Lukashenko, including a 2021 sentence of eight years for incitement, with his health deteriorating in prison due to inadequate medical care.

Amaglobeli, a Georgian journalist and independent media operator, was sentenced to two years in prison in August for alleged threats against a government official, becoming a symbol of resistance against Georgia's pro-Russian government during its political crisis.

Both journalists were nominated by multiple European Parliament groups, reflecting broad political support, although their attendance at the award ceremony in Strasbourg on December 16 remains uncertain due to their detention status.

Supporters of Palestinian journalists and aid organizations in Gaza, reporting high casualties amid ongoing conflict, are nominated by leftist and socialist groups, though their support within the EU remains divided due to differing positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

If the political groups cannot agree on a single candidate, a vote will be held, with support for the imprisoned journalists potentially coming from the right and far-right factions.

The final decision on the laureates will be made by the European Parliament's seven political groups, either through consensus or voting, with the process emphasizing the diverse political landscape of the EU.

Serbian student protesters, known for their mass demonstrations against corruption and their advocacy of direct democracy, are also finalists, recognized for their ongoing fight against systemic issues in Serbia.

These student protests, which have mobilized hundreds of thousands over nearly a year, are seen as a collective movement embodying democratic principles.

The divisions over the Israel-Gaza conflict have complicated efforts to garner broader European support for these nominees, reflecting the EU's internal disagreements over the ongoing crisis.

The broader context of repression in Belarus under Lukashenko is highlighted, with over 65,000 arrests following the 2020 protests, and recent pardons following international pressure, including a controversial pardon after a call with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The award underscores the ongoing struggle for media independence and human rights in Eastern Europe, where authoritarian regimes continue to suppress dissent and civil liberties.

The Sakharov Prize ceremony is traditionally held in Strasbourg on December 16, but the attendance of the laureates depends on their release from detention, which remains uncertain.