Stories from Warsaw · Poland

Human rights defender Anna Gawina noted that a Belarusian prisoner is facing severe health issues and a lack of consistent medical assistance. The prisoner was reportedly placed in solitary confinement multiple times over a five-year period and denied contact with relatives. Gawina expressed hope that Andrzej Koszogód will have the opportunity for a safe life following his release. Stefanowicz Walenciń, vice-chairman of the Center for Defense of Human Rights, described harsh conditions faced by political prisoners in Poland. Walenciń, who was released from Łukaszanka prison in March, stated he was held in a very cold cell without warm clothing in 2023.

Political parties PiS, PSL, TD, Lewica, and Polska 2050 have declared support for a project expanding the catalog of national minorities in Poland. The project grants national minority status to the Greek community. The Konfederacja Club declared it does not support the measure.

Polish Parliament penalized MPs Dariusz Matecki and Michał Woś for displaying boards regarding a pedophilia scandal in Kłodzko during a Sejm session on April 17. Włodzimierz Czarzasty excluded the lawmakers from proceedings.

The campaign against homophobia reports that at least 1,000 couples in Poland may wish to register marriages performed abroad into Polish civil registries. The information was shared by Jola, Alicja, and Judge Iwona Tchórzewska. Przemek Walaz of the anti-homophobia campaign estimates approximately 1,000 couples have married abroad. These figures are cautious estimates as there is currently no monitoring from the Ministry of Interior and Administration to verify the exact number. Polish courts are reportedly issuing rulings that require civil registry officials to transcribe these foreign marriage certificates.

Polish Justice Minister Baldemar Żurek denied the extradition of a Russian archaeologist to Ukraine. Polish-Belarusian journalist and activist Andrzej Poczobut was included in a 5-for-5 prisoner exchange involving Russia.

Svetlana Chihanova stated there are at least 900 political prisoners currently held. The report noted that obtaining information is difficult due to ongoing arrests and sentences.

The investigation follows reports of individuals being moved into Poland and stripped of their right to hold Belarusian passports. The prosecutor described the actions as crimes against the Belarusian people.

A narrative dispute has emerged in Poland regarding who is responsible for the release of Andrzej Poczybut. One side is presenting the release as a Polish success, while the Law and Justice party is involved in a contested narrative regarding the outcome.

Zbigniew Bogucki, Chief of the President's Chancellery, held a press conference regarding negligence in the crypto-asset market. The investigation follows a scandal involving the Tysonda Krypto cryptocurrency exchange. Potential damages from the affair are estimated to reach several hundred million PLN. Bogucki directed questions to Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Finance Minister Andrzej Domański regarding government oversight. The government is reportedly seeking accountability from opposition figures. Minister Zbigniew Bogucki met with Adam Gomoła, a member of the Polski 2050 party, to discuss a project regarding crypto asset negligence. The meeting addressed questions regarding why investigations were not halted and why the president was not informed earlier. The source noted that current information being used is of a classified nature.

Poland transferred five individuals to Minsk, including Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, a priest, and one Belarusian citizen. The transfer was made possible because Polish services detained citizens to Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan.