Belarusian prison release: Journalist plans return, views unchanged

Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish-Belarusian journalist, described his well-being after five years in a Belarusian prison, noting the initial difficulty of readjusting to life outside. "It was like going from one world to another, and the habits that remained there, in that other world, followed me," he said.

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It was like going from one world to another, and the habits that remained there, in that other world, followed me.

Poczobut, who was sentenced to eight years, expressed unwavering hope during his incarceration. "I had the conviction that sooner or later everything ends, so this story would also end someday. I never lost hope and I did not lose faith," he stated.

He extended thanks to numerous individuals and groups, including the Polish government and Americans, for their roles in securing his release. "The participation of Americans was decisive in the form it took," Poczobut noted, explaining that American involvement facilitated a solution allowing him to leave Belarus with a passport while retaining the ability to return.

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I had the conviction that sooner or later everything ends, so this story would also end someday. I never lost hope and I did not lose faith.

Despite his release, Poczobut's stance on the Lukashenka regime remains unchanged. He plans to return to Belarus in September to attend a congress of the Union of Poles, an organization he represents. He believes his return does not necessarily mean re-arrest, suggesting that authorities have reconsidered their strategy of dismantling the Union of Poles. "If you show that you are afraid, then the scenario you fear will be realized against you," he commented on maintaining a strong stance.

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The participation of Americans was decisive in the form it took.

Reflecting on his time in prison, Poczobut mentioned experiencing various conditions across different facilities. He emphasized that the Union of Poles continues to operate despite repression, with many members continuing their activities even after leadership arrests. "At some point, the authorities took a step back," he observed, suggesting a pragmatic assessment of the situation by the government.

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If you show that you are afraid, then the scenario you fear will be realized against you.