Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish activist and journalist in Belarus, has said he is returning to the country, according to WP Wiadomości. The outlet reports that Poczobut stated, "I am going home," signaling his planned departure back to Belarus.
The announcement comes as the Union of Poles in Belarus, an organization with which Poczobut has been associated, postponed its scheduled congress, as reported by Onet and TVP Białystok. WP Wiadomości and Interia Wydarzenia both covered Poczobut's declaration, with Interia noting he gave a specific timeframe for his travel plans.
Poczobut's decision to return follows years of legal troubles in Belarus. He was previously imprisoned and later released, but his status in the country remains a sensitive issue. The Polish minority in Belarus continues to face pressure, with Rzeczpospolita reporting that ethnic Poles there are living "on the edge," a phrase describing their precarious situation under the current authorities.
The postponed congress of the Union of Poles adds another layer of uncertainty. According to Onet, the organization moved its elections, but Poczobut's personal decision to go back has not changed despite the delay. TVP Białystok also confirmed the rescheduling of the gathering.
The exact date of Poczobut's departure has not been independently verified, and the reports do not specify how authorities in Minsk will respond to his arrival. His return is likely to draw attention from both Polish and Belarusian officials.
What to watch next: whether Belarusian authorities allow Poczobut to cross the border without incident and how the rescheduled Union of Poles congress proceeds in his absence or presence.
