In early 1919, Niasviž was captured without fight by the Bolsheviks, who advanced westwards, behind German troops of the Ober Ost.

In February 1919, the Polish-Soviet War began, and Polish forces moved eastwards, clashing with the Red Army.

The residents of Niasviž, who anticipated the arrival of Polish troops any day, decided to start an anti-Bolshevik rebellion, headed by principal of the local grammar school, Mieczysław Wolnisty.

In the night of March 14/15, 1919, the rebels seized key buildings in the town, and liquidated local council.

Soon afterwards, the Cheka arrested five Polish leaders: Mieczysław Wolnisty, Polikarp Kolenda, Józef Januszkiewicz, Konstanty Szydłowski and Stanisław Iwanowski.