MFA statement on initiation of legal proceedings against Andrzej Poczobut before Belarusian court
16.01.2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is disappointed to learn that legal proceedings against Andrzej Poczobut were initiated on 16 January 2023 before a Belarusian court. Andrzej Poczobut has been provisionally detained since March 2021 on false and politically motivated charges.
In the MFA’s view, the detention of Andrzej Poczobut and the legal proceedings against him are another sign of instrumental use of the judiciary, in breach of all democratic standards, and part of an anti-Polish campaign run by the Belarusian authorities.
Once again, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Belarusian authorities to release Andrzej Poczobut and withdraw the politically motivated charges against Andrzej Poczobut and Andżelika Borys.
We also insist on releasing Aleś Bialacki, a defender of human rights, a leader of the Viasna organisation, and the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize winner, along with all other activists working for a democratic, sovereign and independent Belarus. We expect the Belarusian authorities to put an end to repressions against its civil society, as well as to start a process leading to democratisation of the country in cooperation with all political circles. A sovereign and democratic state of Belarus can regain its status as a partner and a reliable member of the international community.
Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson