In a sobering statement at the presentation of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized the plight of Belarusian journalist Andrei Pochobut and Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, both of whom could not attend the ceremony due to their imprisonment. Metsola remarked that their detentions were solely because they performed their journalistic duties, standing against injustice and criminal prosecution. This incident underscores the broader issue of press freedom under threat throughout Europe, particularly in authoritarian regimes.

The deteriorating conditions for journalists, as evidenced by the cases of Pochobut and Amaglobeli, reveal the increasing risks faced by those who dare to challenge corrupt political systems. Their imprisonment has been viewed as a direct attack on freedom of expression, a core principle that democratic societies strive to uphold. The awarding of the Sakharov Prize to these detained journalists sends a powerful message about the vital role of media in society, while simultaneously shedding light on the alarming threats to press freedom globally.

Advocate Kilina Galahere, representing Amaglobeli, noted that the recognition of imprisoned journalists is not merely celebratory; it is a stark reminder of the dangers that journalists confront in their line of work. The situation reflects a continuing trend observed in recent years, where journalists are increasingly targeted in an attempt to suppress dissent and manage public opinion, requiring a collective response from the international community to safeguard press freedoms against growing authoritarian challenges.