Andrzej Poczobut released!
28.04.2026
"It was priceless to embrace Andrzej Poczobut in the very first moments of his freedom on Polish soil! His release, along with four others (including two more Polish nationals), from Belarusian and Russian prisons and their transfer to Poland is the result of the tremendous efforts of the Internal Security Agency, the Intelligence Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the National Public Prosecutor's Office to make today's exchange at the Polish-Belarusian border possible,” emphasised Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, welcoming Andrzej Poczobut to Poland after more than five years of imprisonment by the Belarusian regime.
On Tuesday, 28 April this year, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Tomasz Siemoniak, Minister–Member of the Council of Ministers and Coordinator of Special Services, welcomed Andrzej Poczobut after he had crossed the Polish–Belarusian border.
Andrzej Poczobut imprisoned by the Belarusian regime for over five years
Andrzej Poczobut is a journalist and an activist of the Polish minority in Belarus. He was detained by the Lukashenko regime in March 2021 on absurd charges. He was accused, among other things, of publishing materials alleged to constitute “rehabilitation of Nazism”.
The trial began in mid-January 2023, and on 8 February 2023 he was sentenced to eight years in a high-security penal colony. Andrzej Poczobut was sent to Novopolotsk, one of the harshest penal institutions in Belarus. His appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Belarus. During his imprisonment, the journalist was deprived of contact with the outside world and was reportedly repeatedly placed in solitary confinement.
Cooperation with allies
Minister Tomasz Siemoniak explained that efforts to secure Andrzej Poczobut’s release had lasted nearly two years, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk had been kept continuously informed of all developments in the case.
This exchange would not have been possible without our American friends. I extend my thanks to President Donald Trump and the outstanding teams from the U.S. services and the Department of State. I also thank our Romanian and Moldovan partners for their effective cooperation. The Republic of Poland never abandons its people
- he stressed.
Key role of the Internal Security Agency and the Intelligence Agency
Andrzej Poczobut is a highly determined and courageous individual who has no intention of abandoning the cause to which he has devoted many years of his freedom. He can count on our full support, regardless of the decisions he makes
- said the Prime Minister.
He recalled that today’s success was possible because individuals of importance to Belarus and Russia, detained in connection with sabotage charges, were being held in Polish prisons.
The case of Andrzej Poczobut’s release is a long and complex story. We made numerous attempts to persuade the Belarusian regime to release him. It was very difficult to rely on good faith on the part of Minsk. During one of the most recent attempts at a prisoner exchange, the Belarusian side changed its position and refused
- the Prime Minister explained.
He also informed that among those released were five Polish nationals and individuals cooperating with Poland, including Rev. Gaweł and a Belarusian national who had cooperated with Polish services.
The Head of Government underlined that we should all welcome today’s outcome.
I would like to emphasise the key role of our services – the Intelligence Agency and the Internal Security Agency – as well as Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. Recognition is also due to our diplomats and our Romanian and Moldovan partners
- he concluded.