Poland Honors Jailed Journalist Andrzej Poczobut with Highest Award
Polish journalist Andrzej Poczobut has been awarded the Order of the White Eagle, the country’s highest honour. The ceremony took place during Constitution Day celebrations at Warsaw’s Royal Castle, where President Karol Nawrocki presented the award in person. Poczobut spent four years imprisoned in Belarus after his arrest in 2021. He was sentenced to eight years on charges of inciting hatred and threatening national security. His release came in 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange.
Before his imprisonment, Poczobut was known for defending human rights and opposing authoritarian rule. His work earned him the Sakharov Prize in 2025 and honorary citizenship of Warsaw the previous year.
At the ceremony, President Nawrocki called Poczobut a hero for his resilience and dedication to Polish identity. The award recognises both his personal sacrifice and his long-standing advocacy for democratic values. The Order of the White Eagle marks Poczobut’s return to public life after years behind bars. His case has drawn international attention to press freedom and political repression in Belarus. The honour also highlights Poland’s support for activists facing persecution abroad.
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