Agricultural University in Krakow where the 45 year-old man arrested on terror charges worked: photo - PAP Jacek Bednarczyk
Prosecutors said this morning that an employee at Krakow Agricultural University has been arrested for allegedly planning a “very serious” terrorist attack against the state in Poland.
The 45 year-old man, arrested on 9 November, is described as a “nationalist” who was planning an attack on the Polish state.
Joanna Trzaska-Wieczorek, head of President Komorowski's press office, told the TVN 24 news channel that “the president has known about the matter for two weeks, as has the prime minister,” and that it is “worth reflecting on news of the attempted attack within the context of the incitement to hatred and aggressive language in [Polish] public life.”
Trzaska-Wieczorek added that “the most important” factors leading to the arrest were “the effectiveness of the security services, refraining from making comments and discretion.
“This type of information about plans for attacks must mobilize the relevant departments to act in accordance with laid down procedures, but they can not affect the functioning of the office,” she said.
The suspect is currently in one of Krakow's Inspectorate of Prison Service detention centres.
Prison service spokesman Tomasz Waclawski has told Radio Krakow the man has been classified as high-risk prisoner, who poses a serious threat to public safety.
He faces up to five years in prison.
Leszek Miller, leader of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) opposition party said that the news of the planned terror attack is a warning of the growing power of extreme right wing in Poland, following violence at a nationalist march on Independence day in Warsaw on 11 November.
According to Krakow prosecution officers, would-be assassin who worked at the agricultural University in Krakow was motivated by “extremism, xenophobic and anti-Semitic”.
The aim of the planned attack was the parliament building when in session, according to prosecutors, possibly when MPs were voting on next year’s budget.
The 45 year-old man had visited Warsaw to do reconicience but it is unknown whether he got
Officers from the Internal Security Agency found 4 tons of explosives, plus detonators, fuses and other bomb-making materials connected with the planned attack.
On 11 November, prosecutors requested that the man be detained for three months while they proceed with their investigation.
Four other people are in detention, in connection with the planned attack.
Former Solidarity leader of Poland and Solidarity legend Lech walesa said he was aware that security had been tightened “ten days ago” around Indepedence day on 11 November, when President Bronislaw Komorowski led a march in celebration of the national holiday.
“I felt that something was going on,” he told the PAP news agency, aware the security had been tightened around VIPs. (pg/nh)
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'Serious terrorist attack' foiled in Poland, say prosecutors, thenews.pl, 20 Nov
last updated - 13.20