October 2, Pozirk. Andrzej Poczobut (Bel. Andrej Pačobut) is experiencing serious health problems, including hypertension and arrhythmia, according to Andżelika Borys, head of the unofficial Union of Poles in Belarus. Borys shared the update with Newsweek Polska following a prison visit on September 23.
Last month, Poczobut underwent minor skin surgery at the prison hospital, where he spent a week recovering. During that time, he was reportedly able to gain some weight, Borys said.
While Poczobut did not report any additional health issues, he is experiencing vision problems—something Borys noted is common among inmates, as eyesight often deteriorates in prison.
“I asked Andrzej if he needed anything, if I should send him any medication. He said no—he is receiving medication,” she added.
Earlier, Borys told Rzeczpospolita that she has been in talks with both Warsaw and Minsk regarding Poczobut’s release. She confirmed that she had submitted a formal petition to Alaksandar Łukašenka, urging him to free the journalist.
Poczobut, a contributor to Gazeta Wyborcza, has been in custody since March 2021. In February 2023, Belarusian authorities sentenced him to eight years in prison on charges of inciting hatred and calling for sanctions that allegedly threatened national security. In response, Poland closed the Bobrowniki border checkpoint, stating that it would remain shut until Poczobut is released.
