Terrorism charges for 'Polish Breivik'

photo - Nasza Klasa

“The Prosecutor's Office has recognised that his actions can be characterised as terrorism,” said Piotr Kosmaty from the Appellate Prosecutor's Office in Krakow, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

The stiffer charges mean that Dr Brunon K. (full name withheld under Polish privacy laws), could now face a sentence of 15 years behind bars.

The 45-year-old academic, who worked at the Krakow Agricultural University, was originally arrested on 9 November 2012, after being infiltrated by undercover operatives.

He was allegedly aiming to drive a vehicle packed with explosives into the parliament building, while the president and prime minister were present.

Explosives, detonators, firearms, ammunition, body armour and other items have been seized across the country in connection with the case.

Public prosecutors claimed in November that the suspect was a nationalist and anti-semite who felt that “the situation in the country was going in the wrong direction because all leading governmental positions were occupied by 'foreigners',” as cited by PAP.

In February, Brunon K. made a declaration through his lawyer that he had intended to carry out an attack, to punish “arrogant” politicians.

He was originally charged with “preparing an attack against the constitutional authorities of Poland.”

He also faces charges of illegal possession of arms.

Meanwhile, a separate investigation is being carried out in relation to Brunon K.'s late mother-in-law, whose body was identified earlier this year, after being found in a shallow grave near Krakow. (nh)