Belarus Grants Asylum to Former Polish Judge Accused of Espionage, Deepening International Tensions

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarus has granted asylum to Tomasz Szmydt, a former Polish judge facing espionage charges in Poland, asserting his persecution was politically motivated. Szmydt defected to Belarus, a close ally of the Kremlin, in May, sparking controversy and intense scrutiny into his rapid career progression within the Polish legal system. President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, known for his autocratic leadership, issued the decree on Friday. This development places further strain on Belarus’ relations with European Union and NATO member states, including Poland, which has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts … Read more

Polish Documentary ‘Trains’ Triumphs at International Documentary Festival Amsterdam, Scooping Top Prizes

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — “Trains,” a Polish documentary that delves into the lives of Europeans across the 20th century through a vivid exploration of their aspirations, calamities, and milestones, clinched the Best Film award at the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The film, crafted and edited by Maciej J. Drygas, stood out to the unanimous approval of the event’s five-member jury, earning Drygas a €15,000 prize. Additionally, “Trains” was also celebrated for its exceptional editing, further recognizing Drygas’s meticulous craftsmanship. This year’s festival jury, comprising industry professionals Juliana Fanjul, Sophie Fiennes, Grace Lee, Asmae El Moudir, … Read more

Polish Opposition Leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski Slams Government, Urges Support at Warsaw Rally

WARSAW, Poland – At a rally in Warsaw, Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of Poland’s conservative opposition party, Law and Justice, levied severe accusations against the current pro-European Union government. He claimed that the administration was betraying national interests and engaging in unlawful activities. Kaczyński addressed these issues before a crowd of several thousand supporters waving the national white-and-red flags, despite the day’s challenging windy weather conditions. Kaczyński’s speech did not just criticize the government but also aimed to galvanize his base in preparation for the upcoming presidential election next year. While he has not yet … Read more

Polish Lawmakers Vote to Relax Near-Total Abortion Ban, Setting Stage for Potential Clash with President

Warsaw, Poland – Lawmakers in Poland have voted to ease the country’s near-total ban on abortion, setting the stage for a potential clash over women’s rights with the country’s conservative president. On Friday, parliamentarians endorsed several proposals to relax the abortion restrictions, including decriminalizing abortions up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. However, these measures are likely to face opposition from President Andrzej Duda, who is aligned with the conservative Law and Justice Party. Poland currently has one of the strictest abortion laws in Europe, introduced in 2020 by a court backed by the Law and … Read more