Overview

• Polish prosecutors have launched an investigation into Judge Tomasz Szmydt, who fled to Belarus claiming political persecution.
• Szmydt's departure is linked to his disagreements with Poland's policies towards Belarus and Russia, and his past involvement in judicial controversies.
• The judge has publicly praised Belarus, describing it as a peaceful country with great potential under Alexander Lukashenko's leadership.
• This incident has intensified scrutiny on Poland's judicial reforms under the previous Law and Justice party government, which strained EU relations.
• The situation raises concerns about hybrid warfare tactics, with Poland recently targeted in hacking attacks amid escalating tensions.