Poland's Prime Minister has called for a special meeting of the secret services following the defection of a Polish judge to Belarus. The judge, who had access to sensitive state information, is under investigation for suspected involvement with a foreign intelligence service.
The Polish government expressed concern over the judge's direct access to classified information and his longstanding contacts with Belarusians. The Secret Services College is set to convene to address alleged Russian and Belarusian influence in the Polish power apparatus.
An incident involving bugging devices found in a room where the Polish Cabinet was to meet has heightened anxieties in Poland amid concerns of increased Russian activities in the region.
The judge's defection to Belarus, an authoritarian state allied with Russia, has shocked many in Poland. The current government, which came to power in December, aims to restore democratic norms following changes made by the previous administration that were criticized for eroding the separation of powers.
The judge, known for engaging in online smear campaigns against critical judges in the past, cited persecution by the authorities as his reason for resigning. He expressed opposition to the Polish government's policies towards Belarus and Russia.
Some political figures have accused the Prime Minister of using the judge's case to implicate the opposition. Security concerns have been raised, with one advisor to the President labeling the judge a 'traitor' and highlighting the threat posed by Russia's services.
The Prime Minister suggested a possible link between the judge's actions and hostile activities surrounding the upcoming European Parliament elections.
