Andrzej Poczobut named Honorary Citizen of Opole

Andrzej Poczobut, a prominent journalist and advocate for human rights and Polish identity in Belarus, has been officially named an Honorary Citizen of Opole. The distinction was presented during a formal session of the City Council, following a unanimous vote. The initiative to honor Poczobut was led by Opole Mayor Arkadiusz Wiśniewski and Minister Tomasz Siemoniak.

Poczobut spent over five years in Belarusian prisons under the administration of Alexander Lukashenko, facing repression for his journalistic work and support for civil liberties. He was released on April 28, 2026, as part of a negotiation involving international representatives from the United States, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.

Despite his recent release and arrival in Poland, Poczobut has expressed an intention to return to Belarus, noting that while authorities have suggested the possibility, no absolute guarantees of safety have been provided.