Freedom after five years

Andrzej Poczobut — journalist, activist for the Polish minority in Belarus, and human rights defender — was today released from a maximum-security prison. His case has for years captured public attention and become a symbol of the fight for freedom of speech and civil rights.

I've come straight from the Polish-Belarusian border. (…) Today we achieved what we had been working toward for the past two years — Andrzej Poczobut has come home.

— the Prime Minister emphasised.

His return to freedom is the result of the determination of many individuals and institutions who worked toward resolving this case over a long period of time.

Effective diplomacy and intelligence work

The release of Andrzej Poczobut was made possible through close cooperation between Polish diplomacy, the intelligence services, and international partners.

The exchange at the Polish-Belarusian border is the conclusion of a two-year, highly complex diplomatic game full of dramatic twists and turns. It succeeded thanks to the outstanding work of our services, diplomats and prosecutors, and the tremendous support of our American, Romanian and Moldovan friends.

— the Prime Minister said.

The head of government also highlighted the role of Polish institutions responsible for state security.

We should all celebrate this day. I want to emphasise the key role played by our services — the Foreign Intelligence Agency and the Internal Security Agency — and by Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. Recognition is also due to our diplomats and our foreign partners.

— Donald Tusk stated.

The international cooperation and sustained diplomatic pressure demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach taken toward the regime in Minsk.

A symbol of the fight for freedom

Andrzej Poczobut is a laureate of the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize and has been engaged in human rights work for many years. His release matters not only for Poland, but for all those who stand for freedom and democracy.

This is a good day for Poland and for Belarusians who dream of freedom in their own country. Once again, I thank everyone who made this possible.

— the head of government said.

Poczobut's release demonstrates that the international community can respond effectively to human rights violations, and that sanctions and diplomatic action produce tangible results.

Poland's next steps

Poland will continue its efforts to secure the release of all political prisoners in Belarus and to support those persecuted by the regime there.

Andrzej Poczobut is a very determined and courageous man who has no intention of abandoning the cause for which he sacrificed many years of his freedom. He can count on our full support, whatever decisions he makes.

— the Prime Minister declared.

Today at the Polish-Belarusian border, a symmetric 5-for-5 exchange took place. Its primary aim was the release of Polish citizens and those who had cooperated with Poland