Фото: facebook.com/p/Marszałek-Łukasz-Prokorym
Former political prisoner, journalist and activist of the Union of Poles in Belarus Andrzej Poczobut visited Białystok after five years of imprisonment. City and regional authorities presented him with the Honorary Medal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Radio Racyja reported.
Presenting the award, Podlaskie Voivodeship Marshal Łukasz Prokorym described it as the region’s highest distinction and said it was being awarded to Poczobut as an example of heroism and dedication to the struggle for independence and truth. Białystok Mayor Tadeusz Truskolaski noted that being Polish in Belarus is difficult and that openly criticizing the authorities is even more challenging.
“I am very grateful to the city of Białystok for years of cooperation with the Union of Poles in Belarus. My gratitude goes to the entire voivodeship for its solidarity with the Union of Poles. I thank everyone who devoted their time to come on the 25th of every month,” Poczobut said.
Poczobut was arrested on March 25, 2021. Since then, solidarity rallies in his support have been held on the 25th of every month at the monument to Father Jerzy Popiełuszko in Białystok. It was at this location that Poczobut met with participants of those rallies.
In February 2023, Poczobut was sentenced to eight years in a medium-security penal colony. The trial was held behind closed doors. He was found guilty of inciting hatred and calling for sanctions. He was released on April 28 as part of a 5-for-5 prisoner exchange.