Polish prosecutors charge 66-year-old man with planning to overthrow government

Krzysztof N. has been charged with nine offences, including planning to overthrow Poland’s state authorities, including the prime minister and the government, by force using explosives he had collected, an offence punishable by two to 15 years in prison. 

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The remaining charges concern online recordings and posts allegedly promoting the violent seizure of power, violence to achieve political change, war of aggression in Ukraine, and crimes motivated by nationality, ethnicity, race or political affiliation. 

The man was detained on Sunday. A search of his home uncovered more than a dozen items initially identified as improvised explosive devices, some resembling fragmentation grenades. 

Officers also found objects resembling firearms, initially classified as alarm weapons or pneumatic weapons, a list of people who had been in contact with the suspect, and computer equipment. Digital material has been sent for analysis. 

Online material reportedly indicated the creation of an extremist group promoting the violent seizure of power. The suspect said it was to consist of three units, with a fourth being formed. Many Facebook posts and videos were removed shortly after his arrest. 

He has denied the charges and refused to give an explanation. He said he did not understand the alleged offences and referred to physical and mental health conditions. He may provide a statement later after consulting a lawyer. 

Prosecutor Piotr Antoni Skiba said there was currently no indication that the group had been inspired by foreign intelligence services, although investigators were examining this possibility. 

Proceedings concerning various online posts promoting behaviour contrary to the law had been conducted by the Kielce Regional Prosecutor’s Office in recent weeks and were transferred to prosecutors in Warsaw on Tuesday. 

On Sunday, Poland’s Interior Ministry said police had received information about a possible attack targeting Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. 

A meeting involving police, the State Protection Service and the Internal Security Agency was convened at the Internal Security Agency’s Counterterrorism Centre before the suspect was detained that afternoon. 

(sp) 

Source: PAP

Radio Poland