Polish prosecutors have initiated an investigation following the unexpected departure of a Polish judge to Belarus, a move that has raised concerns about potential foreign involvement. The National Prosecutor’s Office is examining allegations that the judge may have been collaborating with a foreign intelligence service.
The judge in question, Tomasz Szmydt, sought refuge in Belarus, citing disagreements with the current authorities in Poland as the reason for his departure. Szmydt, who served as a judge at the provincial administrative court in Warsaw, gained notoriety in 2019 for his involvement in an online campaign against judges critical of judicial reforms implemented by the Law and Justice party.
The Law and Justice party, which held power from 2015 to 2023, made significant changes to the judicial system during its tenure, consolidating power over the courts and undermining the democratic principles of separation of powers. These actions led to a contentious relationship with the European Union, which was only recently resolved.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-European Union government, which assumed office in December, pledged to restore democratic norms following the Law and Justice party's rule. The recent developments involving Judge Szmydt fleeing to Belarus have further highlighted the ongoing challenges within Poland's judicial system.
Szmydt's appeal to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for protection has drawn attention to the perceived stability and leadership in Belarus, with Szmydt praising the country as having great potential and being led by a wise leader. The judge's decision to seek refuge in Belarus has sparked speculation and prompted the investigation by Polish authorities.
