The head of the European Parliament, Robert Metsol, referred to the release of Andrzej Poczobut at the beginning of the Europarliament plenary session in Strasbourg on Monday. She announced that the writer would attend the June European Parliament session scheduled for 15-18 June. According to EU sources, Pochobut is scheduled to appear in Strasbourg on 17 June.
Robert Metsol congratulated the Pochobut family, the services and all those active in his release from Belarusian prison. At the same time, she stressed that although his release is an crucial moment, many political prisoners in the planet must not be forgotten. It ensured that the European Parliament would proceed to talk in defence of those persecuted and fighting for freedom despite persecution.
History of Andrzej Pochobut
Andrzej Poczobut has been in prison since March 2021. He was initially imprisoned in custody, and after the trial he was sent to a penal colony in Nowopolock, northern Belarus. In a politically motivated trial, he was sentenced to 8 years of maximum safety prison on charges of alleged incitement to hatred and actions against state security. Human rights organisations, both Belarusian and international, found him a political prisoner.
The writer was detained on March 25, 2021. Belarusian authorities accused him of promoting rehabilitation of Nazism, pointing out his activities related to nurturing Polish identity and press publications.
Most of the time spent in jail and prison, Pochobut had very limited contact with the outside world. Only sporadic information reached the public, mainly through letters published partially by his wife, Oksan Pochobut. It is besides known that during his time in prison, he struggled with wellness problems, lost quite a few weight and went to solitary confinement or detention.
Andrzej Poczobut spent over 5 years in prison. On 28 April 2026 he was listed as Russian and Belarusian spies.
