A Belarusian charity named after a Polish deserter presented peace‑and‑human‑rights awards to Polish politicians, a move that has drawn scrutiny as the regime continues to use propaganda.
Foundation Named After Polish Detainee
The International Charity Foundation named for Polish deserter Emil Czeczko is described by OKO.press as a propaganda organization that works with the Belarusian regime. It is led by Dmitry Byelikov, who allegedly worked for the Belarusian KGB. After Czeczko fled to Belarus in 2021, Byelikov was supposed to become his “guardian.” Following Czeczko’s death, Byelikov established the foundation.
Award for Grzegorz Braun
The organization gives prizes for “actions in favor of peace and human rights,” but in practice its laureates are regular supporters of Russia. Last year, the award went to Margarita Simonian of the Russian RT propaganda channel. This year, the award was granted to Polish parliamentarian Grzegorz Braun and Tomasz J., a former member of the pro‑Russian political party Zmiana. Tomasz J. faces accusations related to a criminal organization, and both men did not attend the ceremony in Minsk due to border restrictions and a prosecutorial travel ban.
Who Was Emil Czeczko?
Emil Czeczko served in the 11th Masurian Artillery Regiment of the 16th Pomeranian Mechanized Division. In December 2021, he deserted to Belarus, where he was subsequently detained near Grodno. He then applied for political asylum in Belarus. Prior to joining the army, the Polish Ministry of National Defence reported that Czeczko had legal troubles, including allegations of psychological and physical abuse of his mother and assaulting a woman in May 2021.
Disappearance of Emil Czeczko
On 13 December 2021, Czeczko reported to his unit for discharge but was instead sent to the Polish‑Belarusian border. Four days later he abandoned his post and vanished. He was captured in Belarus on 16 December, and his escape was used for propaganda, accusing Poland of crimes against refugees. In March 2022, the Belarusian Investigative Committee announced that Czeczko had been found dead in a Minsk apartment.