Foreign-Funded Fires Quasi-Treason, Asserts Polish Prime Minister Amid Conflagration of National Park
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared that any Polish citizen commissioned to start fires at the behest of foreign intelligence services should be considered guilty of treason. This statement comes following the destructive wildfire that ravaged approximately 450 hectares of Biebrza National Park, a protected natural landmark.
Speaking at a briefing in Grzędy, near the affected area, Tusk emphasized the gravity of such acts. "If a Polish citizen agrees to set fires on orders from foreign services, for monetary gain, it must be treated as an act of treason," he stated.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the Biebrza fire was a result of deliberate arson, but the incident has prompted the government to address the broader issue of intentional fires. Tusk acknowledged that "we are still dealing with reckless, deliberate fires," often linked to rural practices like grass and meadow burning.
The Council of Ministers is scheduled to discuss new regulations concerning arson during its Tuesday session. Tusk highlighted the need for stricter penalties, noting that "everything that bears the hallmarks of deliberate arson or obvious recklessness will lead us to introduce new rules."
The ongoing drought conditions have increased the risk of fires across nearly the entire country, Tusk pointed out. "We all need to demonstrate greater discipline, and sometimes a higher penalty makes the need for discipline more apparent," he remarked.
This stance mirrors previous government actions aimed at addressing foreign-influenced sabotage. In May 2024, Polish authorities arrested nine individuals accused of carrying out acts of sabotage, including arson, on behalf of Russian intelligence services. These incidents underscore Poland's vulnerability to foreign interference, notably given its strategic position as a support hub for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, firefighting efforts continue in Biebrza National Park, with over 160 firefighters and 31 vehicles engaged in battle against the blaze. The government remains cautious against both domestic and foreign threats to national security and environmental integrity.
- Prime Minister Tusk expressed concern about Polish citizens starting fires at the behest of foreign intelligence services, suggesting they should be charged with treason.
- Tusk highlighted that deliberate fires, often linked to rural practices, are a significant issue that requires stricter penalties, with the Council of Ministers planning to discuss new regulations concerning arson.
- The ongoing drought has increased the risk of fires nationwide, and Tusk called for greater public discipline to combat this threat.
- Remarkably, this stance is not isolated; in May 2024, Polish authorities arrested individuals accused of acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services, leading to incidents of sabotage, including arson, highlighting Poland's vulnerability to foreign interference.
