The Senate unanimously passed a resolution on the release of journalist and activist of Polish minority in Belarus Andrzej Poczobut. The resolution was supported by all 82 senators participating in the vote.
“The Senate of the Republic of Poland appeals to the parliament, parliaments and governments of the democratic world to take action for the release of Andrzej Poczobut and all prisoners of conscience in Belarus,” reads the resolution, reports Polskieradio/
The resolution recalls that “March 25, 2024 will mark three years since the day of imprisonment of Andrzej Poczobut, one of the leaders of the Polish minority in Belarus.” “For his actions in defense of Polishness and free speech, the regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka sentenced him to 8 years in a maximum security penal colony. The conditions of serving the sentence are of the nature of torture, which can lead to the execution of Andrew feeling the death sentence without his judgment, ” – said.
It is noted that “since the day of imprisonment in a penal colony, Andrzej Poczobut is deprived of the opportunity to see his family, and even telephone conversations with her.” “His right to receive food parcels and parcels has been taken away and access to Essential Medicines has been hindered. For the past six months, Andrzej Poczobut has been held in an isolated prison cell, and more than 20 days he spent in inhumane conditions in a punishment cell. For nearly a month, the family has had no contact with him,” the resolution reads.
“The Senate of the Republic of Poland strongly condemns this shameful act of violation of human rights and fundamental rights of national minorities and demands the immediate release of Andrzej Poczobut from the Belarusian authorities. The Senate of the Republic of Poland expresses its highest appreciation for Andrzej Poczobut’s steadfast struggle for the right to Polishness and freedom in Belarus. We express our full solidarity with his family and all those who are fighting for his release,” the senators said.
They also assure of ” constant support for compatriots in Belarus.” We condemn the liquidation of Polish schools, the persecution of activists of the Union of Poles in Belarus, the desecration and destruction of Polish memorials. We consider these actions hostile to Poland, violating the rules of international law and bilateral agreements between Poland and Belarus,” the resolution reads.
“The Senate of the Republic of Poland calls on the Polish government to strengthen its efforts for the release of Andrzej Poczobut and all those unlawfully imprisoned in Belarus. “The personal sanctions imposed by Poland and the European Union on officials of the Lukashenka regime involved in the persecution must be extended and tightened.”
“The Senate of the Republic of Poland appeals to the European Parliament, parliaments and governments of the democratic world and international human rights institutions to take solidarity actions for the release of Andrzej Poczobut and all prisoners of conscience in Belarus,” the resolution reads.