Sakharov Prize awarded to two jailed journalists
This year's Sakharov Prize awarded by the European Parliament has gone to Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, two journalists imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia, respectively. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said their courageous work makes them symbols of peace and democracy and called for their release. Commentators praise the jury's decision.
Don't forget the situation in Belarus and Georgia
Postimees praises the selection of two journalists for the Sakharov Prize:
“The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has become one of the most important international awards. And its significance is growing now that authoritarian regimes are putting increasing pressure on democracy. In any case, it is very good that the European Parliament is drawing attention to the problems of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Belarus and Georgia. We must not forget them in the shadow of Russia's war of aggression.”
May this trigger an avalanche
Journalist Bartosz Wieliński writes about his imprisoned colleague, who worked as a correspondent for Gazeta Wyborcza:
“We at the Gazeta Wyborcza editorial office hope that the European Parliament's decision will be the pebble that triggers an avalanche of events that lead to the imminent release of our Belarusian correspondent. Andrzej's fate is no longer just a political game between Poland and Lukashenko's secret services. It has become a matter of relevance for all Europe. However, Andrzej Poczobut is not the only prize-winner. Georgian journalist and pro-European opposition activist Mzia Amaglobeli was also honoured.”
All Poles must campaign for Pozcobut's freedom
Rzeczpospolita calls for solidarity from journalists:
“How long will the regime in Minsk continue to hold and torture this innocent convict in its dungeons? That depends on how much pressure we exert on Lukashenka. Above all, we should exert pressure on the Americans not to make any further deals with the dictator on the release of political prisoners unless Andrzej Poczobut is on the list. ... When he was still free, the only thing that mattered to Andrzej Poczobut was that as many Poles as possible learn the truth about the situation in Belarus. Today we all have the duty, regardless of our editorial orientation, to spread the truth about Andrzej Poczobut.”