Belarus has released prominent journalist Andrzej Poczobut as part of a 10-person prisoner swap with Poland, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the US. According to multiple reports, Poczobut was serving an eight-year sentence in Belarus for politically motivated charges related to his coverage of pro-democracy rallies.
Key Takeaways
Belarus has released journalist Andrzej Poczobut as part of a 10-person prisoner swap involving Poland, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the US. Poczobut was serving an eight-year sentence in Belarus for politically motivated charges. The exchange is seen as a step toward improving relations between Minsk and the West.
The exchange occurred at the Polish-Belarusian border on Tuesday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed Poczobut and posted a picture on social media saying, "Andrzej Poczobut is free! Welcome to your Polish home, my friend." The swap involved three Poles and two Moldovans being released as part of the deal.
The release comes amid efforts by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to improve relations with the West. As reported by Los Angeles Times, this is the latest in a series of U.S.-negotiated prisoner releases that have marked stronger relations between Minsk and the West during President Trump’s second term. The swap is part of a broader attempt to bring Belarus closer to the west after the US secured the release of 123 prisoners last year.
The European Parliament awarded Poczobut with the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2025, recognizing his courage and commitment to freedom of speech. Despite his deteriorating health in prison, Poczbout was released after five years in a Belarusian penal colony as part of a US-brokered multi-country swap deal.
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