Polish Monk Detained in Belarus on Espionage Charges
Polish Carmelite monk Grzegorz Gawel is held in Belarus on unfounded espionage charges, denied legal access and treated as a political prisoner.
This dossier documents the detention of Grzegorz Gawel, a Polish Carmelite monk arrested by Belarusian security services in September 2025 and charged with espionage. Belarusian authorities claim he possessed a photocopy of a classified military document, while Poland and human rights groups dismiss the case as politically motivated.
The report outlines the opaque investigation, lack of consular access, and conditions typical of politically driven prosecutions in Belarus. It establishes why Gawel is recognised as a political prisoner and why urgent legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian intervention is required.
Human rights violation dossier: Grzegorz Gawel
Prepared by: International Center for Civil Initiatives “Our House”
November 2025
1. Personal information
Field | Information |
First name, surname | Grzegorz Gawel |
Date of birth | 1998 (exact date not published) |
Citizenship | Poland |
Current place of residence | Before detention — Kraków, Poland; since September 4, 2025 — held in custody in Belarus |
Education | Religious; training in the Carmelite Order (O.Carm.), Poland |
Occupation | Monk (member of the Catholic Carmelite Order) |
Marital status | Single |
Status | Political prisoner, recognized by human rights defenders |
Field of activity | Religious service; humanitarian and missionary work |
2. Basic information
Grzegorz Gawel is a Polish monk of the Carmelite Order who took his perpetual vows on March 19, 2025.
On September 4, 2025, he was detained by officers of the Belarusian State Security Committee (KGB) in the city of Lepel, Vitebsk region. Belarusian state media reported that he allegedly possessed a photocopy of a classified document related to the military exercises “Zapad-2025.”
He was charged under Article 358 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus – “espionage.”
The Belarusian authorities released footage of his detention and searches. The Polish government officially rejected the accusations, calling the incident “a provocation by the Lukashenko regime.”
Belarusian human rights organizations, including “Our House”, have recognized Grzegorz Gawel as a political prisoner.
3. Chronology of events
Grzegorz Gawel, a Polish Carmelite monk, took his perpetual vows on March 19, 2025. In early September 2025, he was present in Belarus.
On September 4, 2025, officers of the Belarusian State Security Committee detained him in the city of Lepel (Vitebsk region). Belarusian state television aired a report claiming that the monk had been found in possession of a photocopy of a classified document concerning the “Zapad-2025” military exercises. The same broadcast showed footage of his detention and the alleged “transfer of the document.”
Subsequently, Belarusian official media reported that a criminal case had been opened against Gawel under Article 358 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus – “espionage.” This article provides for a penalty of up to fifteen years of imprisonment. Information on his place of detention and the conditions of his confinement has not been officially disclosed.
Between September 5 and 7, 2025, the first reports on the case appeared in both state and independent media. On September 8, 2025, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the espionage charges false, described the arrest as “a provocation by the Lukashenko regime,” and demanded consular access. Polish outlets, including RMF24 and Polskie Radio, reported on diplomatic protests and formal notes concerning the incident.
On September 9, 2025, the Viasna Human Rights Center added Grzegorz Gawel to the list of political prisoners in Belarus. During September and October 2025, independent media outlets such as Zerkalo and Belsat published articles emphasizing the lack of evidence of espionage and the political motivation behind the prosecution. They noted that the case is being handled in a closed manner and that access for lawyers and Polish representatives remains restricted.
As of November 4, 2025, Grzegorz Gawel remains in custody. No court hearings have begun, and official information on his place of detention or health status remains unavailable. Human rights organizations and religious communities in Poland continue to call for his immediate release and consular access.
4. Threats and risks
Risks to life and health: Due to the closed nature of the investigation and detention within the KGB system, there is a threat of violations of the right to medical care and legal assistance.
Pressure and surveillance: After the arrest, state television aired “confession” videos typical of propaganda broadcasts, consistent with psychological pressure practices.
Perpetrators: Repressive bodies of the Republic of Belarus – the KGB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and investigative authorities responsible for politically motivated prosecutions.
Evidence: Statements by human rights defenders; publications by Viasna, AP, Belsat, and Polskie Radio.
5. Current legal and other status
Legal status: Accused under Article 358 of the Criminal Code of Belarus (“espionage”). Article 358 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (“Espionage”) provides for the possibility of the death penalty if the accused’s actions are classified as having “grave consequences” or involve the disclosure of information constituting a state secret in the field of defense or security – and issues related to nuclear weapons fall squarely within this category.
Place of detention: Officially undisclosed.
Access to defense: No confirmation of access for the Polish consul or an independent lawyer.
Court proceedings: No court date has been set.
International reaction: The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded Gawel’s release and consular access.
6. What support is needed
Urgent protection measures – ensuring consular access and medical supervision.
Legal assistance – international human rights defense, including appeals to the UN and OSCE.
International pressure – diplomatic notes from Poland, public statements and resolutions by EU institutions.
Public campaign – media coverage and engagement of religious and human rights organizations.
Psychological support – assistance to Gawel’s religious community and relatives in Poland.
7. Conclusion
The case of Grzegorz Gawel illustrates the use of “espionage” charges in Belarus as a tool of political pressure against foreign citizens and religious figures.
As of November 4, 2025, he remains in custody without trial, without access to legal defense or diplomatic representatives.
All confessions and video materials released by state media raise serious doubts about their voluntariness and authenticity.
“Our House” considers his arrest politically motivated and calls for his immediate release.
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