Poland Explains Closure of Checkpoint with Belarus

Warsaw links the closure of the border checkpoint with Belarus to the verdict issued against Polish journalist Andrzej Poczobut in the Republic. The relevant decision was explained by Lukasz Jasina, the press secretary of Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a broadcast on the TVN24 channel.

Speaking about the closure of the border checkpoint, the official recalled Poczobut's trial. The political figure has criticized the actions of Minsk, and the verdict issued against the journalist has been termed a symbolic judgment.

“The decision to close the border checkpoint is rational, ensuring the security of the Polish state. I remind you that these actions are not directed against the Polish people, although we advise citizens not to travel to Belarus,” concluded Jasina, expressing hope that these measures would not affect Polish citizens and businesses.

Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish citizen by origin, was sentenced on February 8 by the Grodno Regional Court to eight years in prison. He was detained in the spring of 2021 and subsequently found guilty of public calls for actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic and inciting national and religious hatred.

It is noteworthy that Mariusz Kamiński, the head of Poland's Ministry of the Interior, announced that the Bobrowniki border checkpoint would cease operations on February 10 (Friday) at 12:00 PM local time (2:00 PM Moscow time).