Belarusian and Polish Journalists Appeal to President Nawrocki Ahead of Trump Meeting

September 01, 2025 – Belarus/Poland –

On the eve of his working visit to the United States, President Karol Nawrocki has been approached by a group of Belarusian and Polish journalists who urged him to raise the urgent issue of political prisoners during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The appeal reflects deep concern over the ongoing repression of independent media and civil society in Belarus and hopes that Nawrocki will amplify international attention on their plight during his discussions at the White House.

President Nawrocki’s visit is scheduled for September 3, 2025, marking his first official overseas trip since taking office on August 6, 2025. The press program outlines a packed agenda: an Oval Office meeting, followed by a working luncheon, a press statement, and a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Nawrocki, a historian and former head of the Institute of National Remembrance, carries strategic ties to the Law and Justice (PiS) Party and enjoys strong backing from Donald Trump. His presidency signals a shift toward more nationalist and conservative policies in Poland. Analysts view his relationship with Trump as a pivotal channel for advancing Warsaw’s geopolitical interests, including defense and transatlantic security cooperation.

The appeal by journalists is particularly timely. Many in Belarus remain imprisoned or face persecution under Alexander Lukashenko’s regime, which has cracked down on dissent since the 2020 protests. Journalist-activists like Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish Belarusian political prisoner serving an eight-year sentence, symbolize the broader struggle for press freedom in the region. Earlier this year, Belarus released opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski and 13 other political prisoners following U.S. diplomatic pressure—and he has since called on Trump to advocate for the release of all political detainees in Belarus.

With these appeals, journalists hope that Nawrocki will amplify their message on a global stage, leveraging his U.S. meeting to bolster international solidarity with victims of media repression and to maintain pressure on authoritarian regimes targeting independent reporting.

Reference – 

https://en.belsat.eu/88666229/belarusian-and-polish-journalists-turn-to-president-karol-nawrocki-to-raise-the-issue-of-political-prisoners-during-his-meeting-with-trump