Polish President Karol Nawrocki posthumously awarded the Order of the White Eagle to Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist imprisoned in Belarus, during Independence Day ceremonies.
Awarding of the Order of the White Eagle
Karol Nawrocki awarded Andrzej Poczobut the Order of the White Eagle in recognition of his significant contributions to the Polish community in Belarus, particularly his fight for human rights and his steadfast opposition to totalitarian regimes.
Agnieszka Duczmal-Jaroszewska, Hanna Łukowska-Karniej, and director Lech Majewski also received the Order of the White Eagle from the President.
Historical Significance of the Order
The Order of the White Eagle, established in 1705 and reactivated in 1921, is Poland’s highest decoration. It is awarded for distinguished civil and military service to outstanding Poles and high-ranking foreign dignitaries.
President Nawrocki’s Address
Karol Nawrocki highlighted the 235th anniversary of the Polish decision to reform the ailing Polish Republic, praising the intellectual depth of those who drafted the Constitution of May 3rd.
He emphasized that the events surrounding the Constitution took place at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, underscoring the significance of the location and date.
Nawrocki stated that Andrzej Poczobut is a hero and an unwavering individual who was willing to go to prison for Polish identity, historical truth, and the fight for human rights and democracy under the Lukashenko regime, returning from Belarusian imprisonment as a victor.
Andrzej Poczobut’s Response
Andrzej Poczobut expressed humility upon receiving the high state honor, stating that he considered the soldiers of the Home Army to be the true heroes.
He described himself as an ordinary person striving to act decently in difficult times, and viewed the award as a symbolic recognition of the activities of all members of the Association of Poles in Belarus, who continue their work despite repression.
Poczobut emphasized that persecution is directed at those who want their children to learn the Polish language and honor the memory of heroes.
Uwolnienie Poczobuta and Diplomatic Efforts
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on April 28th that Belarusian authorities had released Andrzej Poczobut from a penal colony, describing it as the culmination of a two-year diplomatic effort involving Polish services, diplomats, prosecutors, and assistance from the United States, Romania, and Moldova.
Nawrocki on Poczobut’s Strength
Karol Nawrocki affirmed that Andrzej Poczobut demonstrated the strength of Polish identity and commitment to Polish values, for which he paid a high price in prison.
He revealed that the process of Poczobut’s release was strengthened by his discussion with President Donald Trump, beginning in September 2025, urging him to raise the issue in negotiations with the Belarusian regime.
Poczobut’s Arrest and Imprisonment
Andrzej Poczobut, a long-time collaborator with Polish media such as “Gazeta Wyborcza,” was arrested by Belarusian authorities in March 2021 and accused of “rehabilitating Nazism.” He was sentenced to eight years of strict-regime penal colony in February 2023.
