European Parliament member Nils Ušakovs stated that the struggle of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and the Georgian people goes beyond Georgia’s borders and represents a fight for shared well-being embraced by Europeans.
Speaking at the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the 2025 Sakharov Prize laureates, Nils Ušakovs strongly condemned the “Georgian Dream” government’s repressive policies and emphasized that the European Parliament will continue to advocate until all political prisoners are released and Georgians can freely determine their future.
“Mzia Amaglobeli’s case has become a symbol of ongoing repression in Georgia. She is a dedicated and respected media professional, an independent voice exposing corruption and abuse of power. She is the first female journalist to be politically imprisoned in Georgia’s 34 years of independence,” Ušakovs said.
He outlined the broader context of repression in Georgia: hundreds of political prisoners, peaceful protesters met with police violence, civil society facing unjust restrictions, and opposition leaders targeted with false charges. Laws are rushed through to further limit civil space, independent media are treated as enemies, and intimidation, fines, arrests, and force have replaced democratic debate.
“Amid such circumstances, truth itself becomes an act of resistance. This is why Mzia Amaglobeli’s work carries such profound significance. The Sakharov Prize has always honored those who refuse to compromise their conscience. Her story reflects what Andrei Sakharov fought for: moral clarity under pressure and courage when conformity is easier,” Ušakovs added.
He concluded: “The struggle of Mzia Amaglobeli and the Georgian people clearly transcends Georgia’s borders. It is a fight for the common good that we, Europeans, share. The calls in the streets freedom, accountability, respect for the rule of law reflect the same principles on which the European Union is built. By awarding the Sakharov Prize, we recognize this as a collective struggle that we must pursue together and win. We will not stop until all political prisoners are freed and the Georgian people have the freedom to determine their future and aspirations.”