Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish journalist and leader of the Polish minority in Belarus, crossed the Polish-Belarusian border at Bobrowniki on Tuesday, returning to the country after more than five years in detention.
Poczobut had been held in a Belarusian prison until late April, when he was released after spending over five years in custody. He then remained in Poland for approximately four months before deciding to return.
The Polish Press Agency reported the crossing, citing sources close to Polish security services. Poczobut confirmed his presence on the Belarusian side of the border in an interview with TVN24.
Following his release, Poczobut repeatedly stated his intention to return to Belarus. Immediately after his liberation, he said he wanted to ensure his health was stable before making the journey. He later declared that he would return in September, despite being aware of potential consequences he might face.
The situation is described as unprecedented given conditions in Belarus under President Aleksander Łukashenko over the past five years. Poczobut, who is married with children, made the decision to return despite the risks involved.