Foreign-instigated forest fires amount to treason, Polish PM asserts, as Poland's national park succumbs to inferno
Prime Minister Tusk Warns of Treason Charges for Arson Cases Involving Foreign Influence
In a stern statement, Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that any Polish citizen lighting fires at the behest of foreign intelligence services should be considered guilty of treason. This bold stance came after a devastating wildfire ravaged Biebrza National Park, destroying approximately 450 hectares of protected land.
During a briefing with Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak and emergency services in Grzędy, Tusk made it clear that such acts would not be tolerated. "If a Polish citizen sets a fire on orders from foreign services, for money, they should be treated as a traitor. There's no room for discussion about it," he stated bluntly.
As authorities have yet to confirm if the Biebrza fire was a result of deliberate arson, the government is addressing the broader issue of intentional fires. Although the country still grapples with "foolish, deliberate arsons," often linked to grass and meadow burning, Tusk acknowledged this problem persists.
The Council of Ministers will discuss new regulations concerning arson during its Tuesday session, aiming to introduce harsher penalties for such irresponsible actions. As the ongoing drought conditions increase the risk of wildfires, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for greater discipline and increased penalties to make the need for discipline more evident.
This stance echoes previous government actions against 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. Given Poland's strategic position as a support hub for Ukraine, the country's vulnerability to foreign interference is a constant concern.
With over 160 firefighters and 31 vehicles engaged in battle against the Biebrza National Park wildfire, the government remains vigilant, protecting national security and environmental integrity from both domestic and foreign threats.
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📰 Latest News - Poland plans to enact stricter penalties for arson, with new regulations under discussion by the Council of Ministers. - Recent drought conditions have heightened the risk of fires across almost the entire country, requiring strict discipline and possible increased penalties to deter arson. - Polish citizens involved in arson plots orchestrated by foreign intelligence services may face treason charges, as declared by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
- The government is considering stricter penalties for arson, as reflected by the discussion of new regulations by the Council of Ministers.
- In light of the ongoing drought conditions, the risk of fires in Poland has increased, necessitating greater discipline.
- Foreign interference is a constant concern for Poland, as shown by the government's response to allegations of arson conducted by Russian intelligence services in 2024.
- Prime Minister Donald Tusk has stated that Polish citizens involved in arson at the behest of foreign intelligence services could be charged with treason, signaling a tough stance on such actions.
