Lukashenko not against sending convicted Pochobut to Poland, but Poles show no desire in accepting him
During today’s meeting with representatives of different nationalities who live in Belarus, President Aleksandr Lukashenko said he’s not against sending convicted Andrzej Poczobut to Poland, but Poles do not want to take him away, BelTA reports
During the conversation, the President touched upon the situation around Andrzej Poczobut, who was convicted in Belarus. "The name of Poczobut is constantly repeated. Listen, you can take him away. Meanwhile, he [a Polish representative] said, “I will not go there [to Belarus]. It’s no need for me.” They actually do not want to take him away. This case has just become a political bargaining chip. We tell them, “Take him away.” They, in turn, reply, “No, we do not need this.” Moreover, this one said, “I will not go there.” You know, Poles have already said that,” the Head of State noted.
As BelTA reported, in February 2023, the verdict in the case of Andrzej Poczobut was handed down in the Grodno Regional Court. He was charged under two articles: Part 3 of Article 361 and Part 3 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code.
For many years, the man was working in an illegal organisation that allegedly united Poles in Belarus. He also contributed to the glorification of Armia Krajowa.
According to the verdict of the Grodno Regional Court, Andrzej Poczobut was found guilty of publicly calling for actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus, distributing materials containing such calls using the media and the Internet, as well as deliberate actions aimed at inciting national, religious and other social hostility and discord on the grounds of national, religious and other social affiliation committed by a group of persons.
Andrzej Poczobut was sentenced to eight years in maximum security prison.
