Polish Prosecutors Probe Threats Against Belarusian Opposition Leader

Polish authorities are investigating threats against Pavel Latushka, a leading Belarusian opposition figure, under sections of the penal code addressing homicide and foreign intelligence activities. Amid increased threats against opposition figures, Latushka claims mounting evidence of escalating threats and pressure tactics, including bribery and blackmail.

Polish prosecutors are investigating threats aimed at prominent Belarusian opposition figure Pavel Latushka, under sections of the penal code related to homicide and foreign intelligence activities. National Prosecutor's Office spokesperson Przemyslaw Nowak confirmed that the investigation is being conducted alongside Poland's Internal Security Agency but withheld specific details.

A letter from prosecutors to Latushka, obtained by Reuters, indicates that the investigation involves crimes including incitement and activities by foreign intelligence agencies. The investigation follows a recent attack on Leonid Volkov, an aide to the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, sparking intensified concerns for the safety of opposition members from Belarus and Russia. Volkov suffered injuries from an assault in Vilnius, leading to the detention of two Polish nationals.

Latushka revealed to Reuters that he frequently receives threats and suspects increasing efforts to pressure his team through threats, blackmail, and bribery. Poland has accused Russian and Belarusian intelligence services of destabilization attempts, while Russian authorities have dismissed these claims as conspiracy theories. Latushka, who was sentenced in absentia to 18 years in prison by a Belarusian court, asserted that two assassination attempts on him had been thwarted this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)