The Polish Senate convened on April 22nd to demand the release of Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut and all political prisoners held by the Belarusian regime.
Senate Calls for Poczobut’s Release
During its 57th session on Wednesday, April 22nd, the Polish Senate expanded its agenda to include a second reading of a resolution commemorating the 5th anniversary of Andrzej Poczobut’s imprisonment. Senators appealed to Belarusian authorities to halt repression and initiate political dialogue with opposition forces both within Belarus and in exile.
Senators also appealed for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including journalist Andrzej Poczobut. Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska stated the resolution’s expected unanimous passage demonstrated the Senate’s unified stance on securing the release of all political prisoners.
Meeting with Ales Bialacki
Prior to the session, Kidawa-Błońska presented the resolution to Ales Bialacki, founder of the human rights organization “Viasna” and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who was present in the Senate. Kidawa-Błońska expressed hope that Belarus would one day have a Senate like Poland’s, fostering democratic lawmaking.
Over 1000 Political Prisoners in Belarus
Kidawa-Błońska emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that over 1,000 individuals remain imprisoned in Belarus under harsh conditions. The Senate will continue to advocate for Poczobut and all other political prisoners.
Bialacki Thanks Poland for Support
Ales Bialacki thanked Poland for its support of the Belarusian struggle for freedom and democracy, expressing gratitude for the opportunities afforded to Belarusian exiles to continue their human rights work within Poland.
Poczobut’s Imprisonment and Charges
Andrzej Poczobut was detained by the Belarusian regime on March 25, 2021, and has been held ever since. He frequently reported on the situation in Belarus for Polish media and faced repeated arrests for criticizing Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Belarusian authorities accused Poczobut of “rehabilitating Nazism” based on his promotion of Polish culture and publication of articles. He was sentenced to eight years in a strict-regime penal colony on February 8, 2023, and his appeal was rejected. He is currently imprisoned in Novopolotsk.
Poczobut as a Political Pawn
While several Belarusian political prisoners, including Bialacki, were released with the assistance of American diplomats in 2025, Poczobut was not among them. Belarusian commentators have described Poczobut as a “hostage” and a “special prisoner” of Lukashenko. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has consistently stated its commitment to securing Poczobut’s release.
Lukashenko has indicated he views Poczobut as a bargaining chip, suggesting he could be exchanged for Belarusian opposition figures who have fled the country. Reports indicate Poczobut refused to leave Belarus in exchange for his freedom before his trial.