Andrzej Poczobut returns to Belarus despite safety warnings

Journalist and activist for the Polish minority, Andrzej Poczobut, has returned to Belarus via the Bobrowniki border crossing. Poczobut, who was released from a penal colony a few months ago, intends to stay in Belarus for approximately one week to support the Association of Poles in Belarus and visit his family in Grodno. Following his stay, he plans to travel to the United States and Canada to meet with members of the Polish diaspora.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski expressed concern regarding the move, stating that Poczobut is ‘playing with fire’ and noting that the journalist is aware of the risks. Sikorski warned that Poczobut could face arrest at any moment. Similarly, Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya noted that while his return is significant, it should not be interpreted as a sign that the political situation in Belarus has improved for others, warning that returning to the country remains dangerous for those facing persecution.