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What does the Polish defector-judge know?

11.05.2024 16:40
An interview with former justice minister Zbigniew Ćwiąkalski for Poland's Super Express reveals details about the level of access to sensitive and confidential information by the judge Tomasz Szmydt - now in Belarus.  
Former justice minister Zbigniew Ćwiąkalski who has this week commented on the Polish defector-judge case.
Former justice minister Zbigniew Ćwiąkalski who has this week commented on the Polish "defector-judge case". Photo: PAP/Tomasz Gzell

In an interview for Super Express, the former justice minister Zbigniew Ćwiąkalski reveals details about the level of access to sensitive and confidential information by the defector-judge Tomasz Szmydt who is now in Belarus. 

To recall, Tomasz Szmydt fled to Belarus and promptly requested "asylum", saying that he was concerned about Poland's unjust attitude to Russia and Belarus. In the meantime he has been actively serving Russian and Bealrusian propaganda channels, including an appearance on the program of Vladimir Soloviev, one of the leading pro-Putin propagandist-journalists.

Meanwhile in Poland the judge faces espionage charges:

Former minister Ćwiąkalski said that Szmydt's defection is a "priceless gift" for hostile agencies, as he not only had access to confidential Polish information, he was also privy to the identity of Poles working on confidential projects with NATO. 

In his work as a judge, Szmydt was involved in evaluating cases where applicants for access to confidential information had been refused, so his own clearance was high. 

Ćwiąkalski also commented on the rarity of defections to Belarus. He said, "Usually those who have problems with the law head for South America, more democratic states, shall we say. ... Going to Belarus indicates the involvement of the secret services of Belarus or Russia in conjunction with Belarus."

Sources: Super Express, Radio Poland, X

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