Polish-Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut was released from a Belarusian penal colony on Tuesday, following an act of clemency by Alexander Lukashenko, after serving over three years for alleged “rehabilitation of Nazism.”
Poczobut Recounts Release Notification
Andrzej Poczobut stated he had not undergone a comprehensive medical examination in five years. He described how he learned of his impending release, stating that guards came to his cell at night to inform him of a transfer.
Initially believing he was being moved to another prison, Poczobut refused to comply. He was then informed the transfer was for a prisoner exchange.
Poczobut’s Desire to Return to Belarus
Andrzej Poczobut intends to return to Belarus and currently faces no travel restrictions to the country.
Years of Imprisonment and Charges
Poczobut, a long-time collaborator with Polish media including “Gazeta Wyborcza,” reported on the situation in Belarus. He was arrested in March 2021 and accused of “rehabilitating Nazism.”
He spent an extended period in pre-trial detention and was sentenced to eight years in a strict-regime penal colony in February 2023.
Łukashenko’s Act of Clemency
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko granted Andrzej Poczobut an act of clemency.
Sikorski Praises Trump and US Diplomacy
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski celebrated Poczobut’s release, calling him a “heroic compatriot” and a “martyr for the cause of freedom.” He emphasized the release would not have been possible without the decision of former US President Donald Trump, the work of US Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale, and the entire US State Department.
Sikorski also acknowledged the contributions of Polish special services, the Ministry of Justice, the prosecutor’s office, and the Foreign Ministry, along with cooperation from American and other international institutions, in coordinating the prisoner exchange.
Tusk Highlights Diplomatic Efforts
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the exchange as the culmination of a two-year “complex diplomatic game.”
He credited the success to the work of Polish services, diplomats, and prosecutors, as well as the assistance of American, Romanian, and Moldovan allies.
Nawrocki Commends Poczobut’s Polish Identity
President Karol Nawrocki stated that Andrzej Poczobut, now back in Poland, demonstrated the strength of Polish identity and values during his imprisonment.
Nawrocki reminded that Poczobut is a Knight of the Order of the White Eagle and invited the journalist to receive the decoration.