Andrzej Poczobut visits memorial sites and activists in Belarus

Andrzej Poczobut has been in Belarus since last week, where he visits his hometown of Grodno, Minsk, Wołkowysk, Kobryń and Baranowicze. He is accompanied by Andżelika Borys, who emphasizes that meetings with activists of the Union of Poles in Belarus are of great importance for the morale of the organization. Our people were very distressed when Andrzej was imprisoned. They are very grateful to him for visiting them despite everything, says Borys.

Poczobut also visits memorial sites, including the graves of Polish soldiers from September 1939 and the monument to Eliza Orzeszkowa in Grodno. "Today I bowed to Mrs. Eliza, who survived many historical turmoil in Grodno," wrote Poczobut.

Hero and liaison of Poles

For the local community, Poczobut is not only a hero, but also a symbol of hope and perseverance. He appeared in the office of ZPB, banned by the Belarusian authorities, immediately after his arrival. His arrival was of great importance not only for activists, but for all Poles living in Belarus, emphasizes Borys.

The most touching moment of the visit was meeting the elderly ladies who delivered parcels to him during his stay in prison. They hugged him and cried, Borys reports.

Poczobut is particularly interested in ensuring that the children of Belarusian Poles can continue to learn Polish and maintain contact with their homeland. Currently, approximately 3,000 children are learning Polish in Belarus, and ZPB supports both stationary and online lessons.

A political prisoner and the voice of Poles

Andrzej Poczobut spent over five years in Belarusian prisons, convicted of "incitement to hatred" and "calling for actions to harm national security." Human rights organizations considered him a political prisoner.

After returning to Poland, he plans to travel to the USA and Canada, where he will meet with representatives of the authorities and Polish activists.