Andrzej Maryanovich Yukhnevich

Father Andrzej Yukhniewicz, rector of the Roman Catholic parish in Shumilino, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, has not been released from the Vitebsk temporary detention center after serving 45 days in custody . It has been learned that the priest's detention has been extended until July 2. He is only allowed medication as food parcels. There is virtually no information about him. Father Andrzej Yukhniewicz has already been convicted at least four times in a row. The first three were likely for the maximum 15-day sentence, and the fourth time, the court sentenced him to a further 10-day arrest.

Thus, the rector in Shumilino spent more than 45 days behind bars —the longest of any Roman Catholic or Greek Catholic priest sentenced to administrative arrest in Belarus. Afterward, a criminal case was opened against the priest.

As Christian Vizier learned in the fall of 2024, pressure continues to be placed on the priest in Pretrial Detention Center No. 2, where he has been held since his arrest on May 8, 2024. The priest was only allowed to shower for the first time after two months of detention. He faces charges related to crimes against the sexual integrity of minors.

On April 30, 2025, Father Andrzej was sentenced in Shumilino. Believers learned that the priest had been sentenced to 13 years in prison , although the prosecution had sought a 15-year sentence. The trial was presided over by Inna Grabovskaya, chairperson of the Shumilino District Court.

As the faithful learned, the priest completely denied the accusations and attempted to prove his innocence. As far as is known, the charges were based on the testimony of one or more "victims"—it's possible they were pressured. According to information received by the faithful, the priest's case concerns events that occurred approximately 10 years ago. The priest himself appeared in good spirits in court. Moreover, the diocese claims to have never received any complaints against Father Andrzej.

In November 2025, he was pardoned after a visit to Belarus by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, as a special envoy of Pope Leo XIV.