Светлана Тихановская. Скриншот видео
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urged against concluding from the return of Andrzej Poczobut that the situation in Belarus has changed. Repression continues.
“Andrzej Poczobut has returned to Belarus. And I think everyone who knows his story understands how much courage lies behind this decision.
Sometimes, even under a dictatorship, a person can reclaim a small space of freedom for themselves — thanks to their own resilience and international support. I am very glad that Andrzej is now in Belarus and can be at home.
But it is important not to conclude from this that something has changed for everyone in the country. Repression continues: people are being detained, criminal cases are being opened, relatives are being pressured, and people are being summoned to the KGB. For those at risk of persecution, returning can still be dangerous.
Andrzej’s story is very special. People like him inspire others with their resilience and heroism. And today, the main thing is for him to be safe. And I hope that he will be able to leave just as freely,” Tsikhanouskaya said.
Today, Gazeta Wyborcza reported that before noon, Andrzej Poczobut crossed the Polish-Belarusian border. He is heading to Hrodna to meet with his family and fellow members of the Union of Poles in Belarus. The trip is expected to last a week.
Poczobut himself has so far not shared any information on social media about his meetings in Hrodna.