Andrzej Pochoebut Has Returned To Belarus

• 8.09.2026, 13:32

A bold move by a Belarusian journalist.

Journalist and leader of the Union of Poles in Belarus Andrzej Pochobut has arrived in Grodno. A photo of the former political prisoner against the backdrop of the Neman River embankment was posted by journalist Bartosz Wielinski. While in his homeland, he plans to meet with his family and colleagues from the Union of Poles in Belarus. The trip is expected to last a week, according to Gazeta Wyborcza.

Poczobut, as the publication reports, had previously stated that he planned to “visit various places” in Grodno. “A great many people helped me: they bought me food and sent me packages while I was incarcerated and able to receive them. In the camp, that right was taken away from me. I am very grateful for the help; it helped me survive,” he said.

Andrzej Pochobut, a Belarusian journalist and leader of the Union of Poles in Belarus, was unlawfully sentenced in 2023 to eight years in a penal colony. In April of this year, he was released as part of a prisoner exchange.

After his release, he managed to obtain a Belarusian passport. Previously, Pochobut had repeatedly stated that he planned to visit Belarus in September to attend the congress of the Union of Poles in Belarus.