We Did It: Monk Grzegorz Gaweł Released From Belarusian Prison
Polish anti-nuclear monk freed after international solidarity campaign secured his release
Today, 28 April, it became known that Grzegorz Gaweł – a Polish Carmelite monk who had been detained and accused of “nuclear espionage” – has been released. A man who, until recently, was almost unknown before our joint campaign is now free, safe, and already evacuated from a Belarusian prison to Poland.
This result was only possible because of collective effort, persistence, and solidarity. It is another powerful reminder: never give up.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all anti-nuclear initiatives that raised this case and demanded justice – including War Resisters’ International (WRI), ICAN, Nuclear Resister, Mayors for Peace, the International Peace Bureau (IPB), DFG-VK, IFOR Austria, BSV, Movimento Nonviolento, and many others.
We also thank all individuals who wrote letters of support and solidarity. Yes, the Belarusian KGB attempted to block these letters, refused to deliver them, and even sent them back. But what they could not block was solidarity itself.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (Belarus section), the UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus, international partners, and human rights organizations. Special thanks to Polish politicians, whose attention to the case was also mobilized through our shared efforts.
Every action mattered. Every step mattered. The monk was facing a long prison sentence, torture, and possibly even the death penalty.
“Our House,” together with WRI, recognized Grzegorz as a Prisoner for Peace. The charges of “nuclear espionage” do not withstand scrutiny: discussing nuclear weapons or related issues cannot serve as grounds for such repression.
This release proves that solidarity works.
We did this together. A monk who stood for peace and against nuclear weapons is now free — and this is a shared victory.
Case description:
https://ndbelarus.com/2025/12/03/polish-monk-detained-in-belarus-on-espionage-charges/
Recognition as a Prisoner for Peace:
https://ndbelarus.com/2025/12/05/belarusian-prisoners-for-peace-in-belarus/
With gratitude and respect to everyone who was part of this struggle.
Support makes a real difference in cases like this
https://ndbelarus.com/donate-support-with-money/
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