On Wednesday, a judge from the Grodno Regional Court delivered an eight-year sentence in a maximum security prison to Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist and Polish minority activist. The trial opened on January 16, and Poczobut has been in detention for nearly two years. Following the verdict, several politicians issued initial statements denouncing the outcome.
Head of BPM: Poczobut’s conviction is a shameful act and will not go unchallenged
The Belarusian regime’s sentence against Andrzej Poczobut is a disgraceful display of political pressure, not justice. It underscores Minsk’s ongoing struggle with its own citizens. The appeal is to halt anti-Polish measures and secure the release of political prisoners.
Marcin Przydacz, head of the Presidential Office of International Policy, conveyed this sentiment on social media.
Szrot: The verdict reflects political direction, not justice
Szrot, the head of the president’s office, told PAP that the court’s decision appears guided by political lines rather than legal principles. He stated that Poczobut is innocent and should be freed.
In state media coverage, the judge’s decision was framed as part of a broader political context rather than a traditional legal ruling.
On that day, the Grodno District Court began hearing the case against Poczobut, who faced charges under two articles of the Penal Code related to incitement to hatred and calls to act against Belarus. The president’s cabinet emphasized that Andrzej Duda had repeatedly affirmed Poczobut’s innocence and called for his release.
Despite the claim that the court acted under political guidelines, the minister stressed that the case remains separate from personal ties to the individual.
The minister added that Poland continues to pursue all available avenues, noting that the president participates actively in efforts to seek justice for Poczobut and other detainees. The minister recalled that, thanks to presidential initiatives, several political prisoners have been released in prior cases.
Poczobut’s trial began on January 16 at the Grodno District Court. The hearings were conducted in secret at the prosecutor’s request.
Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The verdict is outrageous
The deputy foreign minister described the decision as outrageous. The Polish consul in Belarus stands ready to assist Poczobut as much as possible, although Belarus’s adherence to international norms remains in question, he noted.
The assertion was made that the political dimensions of the case reflect broader tensions, suggesting that repressive impulses persist in the regime. The deputy minister added that the more the regime condemns dissent, the more unstable it becomes in the long run.
Cichanouska: Poczobut did not surrender
Belarusian opposition leader Sz Sviatlana Cichanouskaya stated that Poczobut continued to persevere, refused to seek a pardon, and remained in prison for standing up for a free Belarus. His stance is described as a sacrifice that empowers Belarusians to resist oppression. She called him a symbol of resilience.
Cichanouskaya elaborated that the court’s ruling does not mark the end of the struggle, and she urged international actors to act to prevent more political prisoners from arising and to secure the release of those detained for political reasons.
When asked about potential hostage exchanges, Cichanouskaya pointed to the vast number of political prisoners in Belarus and stressed that Poczobut never sought to be part of any trade. She emphasized that the liberation of all detainees is essential for a truly free Belarus.
She concluded by noting the universal longing for freedom among Belarusians and the importance of European and global support in achieving it.
Gosiewska: The fight continues for him
Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Małgorzata Gosiewska described Poczobut as someone who spoke truth to power and displayed courage. She vowed that supporters will not abandon him and will keep fighting for his release. She framed the verdict as a painful moment for Belarus and a reminder of the risks faced by journalists who report honestly about current events.
Gosiewska highlighted Poczobut’s bravery in sharing the realities of Belarus after the contested election and the repression that followed. She stressed that his case underscores the need to protect press freedom and human rights across the region. She also pledged to compile a list of individuals who contributed to the detention and deterioration of his health, signaling continued advocacy efforts.
The deputy marshal connected Polish diplomacy’s efforts to support Poczobut with broader regional security concerns, noting that support for Ukraine is linked to backing for those who defend freedom in Belarus.
Fogiel: The verdict is outrageous and unrelated to justice
Radosław Fogiel, head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, characterized the ruling as an outrageous act that signals Belarus’s increasing repression and drift toward totalitarianism. He affirmed that Poland would pursue every available means to seek justice and secure Poczobut’s release.
Łatuszka: Eight years for the right to be Polish
Paweł Łatuszka, a Belarusian opposition figure, reacted to the verdict by saying that the length of the sentence represents the punishment for simply being Polish and human. He described Poczobut as a hero of the Belarusian nation who champions freedom for Poles and Belarusians alike, and he urged continued efforts to secure the release of all political prisoners. He noted the widely cited figure of thousands of political prisoners in Belarus and reaffirmed the commitment to ongoing advocacy for freedom.
Poczobut’s case has been widely reported as a political prosecution. The hearings and the outcome have sparked international concern, with rights groups labeling Poczobut a political prisoner and urging Belarus to end repression of minority communities. The broader context includes international calls for Minsk to adhere to human rights standards and to allow fair legal processes for dissidents. The case remains a focal point in the ongoing dialogue about democracy, civil liberties, and the safety of independent journalism in the region.