Polish journalist Andrzej Poczobut has been released from a Belarusian prison after over three years of detention, following diplomatic efforts.
Tusk Announces Poczobut’s Release
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Andrzej Poczobut’s release on Tuesday, posting a photo with the journalist on X (formerly Twitter) and welcoming him “home, friend.”
President Nawrocki Commends Poczobut’s Resilience
President Karol Nawrocki stated that Poczobut demonstrated strong Polish identity and values while enduring a harsh prison sentence under the Lukashenko regime. He also noted Poczobut is a recipient of the Order of the White Eagle and extended an invitation for him to receive the honor.
Trump’s Role in Securing Release
The process of Poczobut’s release was reportedly strengthened by discussions between President Donald Trump and Polish officials, beginning in September 2025. President Trump was urged to raise the issue in negotiations with the Belarusian regime.
U.S. Ambassador Credits Decisive Action
U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose stated that Poczobut’s release was due to decisive diplomatic action led by President Trump and Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale. He also praised the collaboration between U.S. and Polish partners.
Polish-American Cooperation Highlighted
Ambassador Rose emphasized the exceptional work of Polish special services and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in contributing to Poczobut’s successful release, calling it an example of true partnership.
Sikorski Celebrates Poczobut’s Return
Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski met with Special Envoy John Coale on Monday and held a joint press conference on Tuesday.
Sikorski Praises U.S. and Polish Efforts
Sikorski expressed joy at Poczobut’s release after 1860 days in prison, calling him a “heroic compatriot” and a “martyr for the cause of freedom.” He credited the strong Polish-American alliance, President Trump’s decision, and the efforts of Coale and the State Department.
Prisoner Exchange Confirmed
Sikorski confirmed that Poczobut’s release involved a prisoner exchange, with a Russian historian among those exchanged.
Continued Efforts for Other Political Prisoners
Poland pledged to continue working with partners to secure the release of all political prisoners.
Coale Details Negotiations
John Coale stated that his team worked tirelessly for nearly a year to secure Poczobut’s release, noting improved relations with Alexander Lukashenko. He described the negotiations as complex and involving multiple countries.
Poczobut’s Background and Imprisonment
Andrzej Poczobut, a long-time correspondent for Polish media including “Gazeta Wyborcza,” was detained by the Belarusian regime on March 25, 2021. He was accused of “rehabilitating Nazism” for promoting Polish culture and publishing articles. He was sentenced to eight years in a strict-regime penal colony on February 8, 2023, and his appeal was rejected. He was held in the Nowopołock penal colony.
Past Attempts at Release and Political Motivation
Poczobut previously refused to leave Belarus in exchange for his release, as it would require relinquishing his citizenship. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs consistently sought his release, while Lukashenko suggested Poczobut could be used as a bargaining chip for Belarusian opposition figures. Human rights organizations recognized Poczobut as a political prisoner.