Parliament President Roberta Metsola conferred the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Andrzej Poczobut, before the latter spoke to MEPs in a formal plenary sitting. The prize was originally awarded to him (and Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli) in December 2025, when both journalists were still in prison in their respective countries.

Welcoming Mr Poczobut, President Metsola said: “It is our honour to welcome Andrzej Poczobut to the European Parliament as a free man. The Sakharov Prize we awarded him last year recognised not only his courage, but the values he refused to abandon despite years of unjust imprisonment. His release gives hope, but it must also strengthens our resolve: wherever people are persecuted for speaking the truth, defending democracy or exercising their fundamental freedoms, Europe will not look away.”

Mr Poczobut said: “I want you to know that your voice is not only heard in the free world. It crosses the prison walls. (…) I learnt about being…