The Polish prime minister on Wednesday accused Russian agencies of hacking into government systems, manipulating and spreading emails that allegedly expose links between the government and the judiciary.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki described the leaks as a “provocation” by the Russian and Belarusian secret services, with the aim of aim of sowing discord in Polandas revenge for Warsaw’s support of Ukraine in the Russian invasion of the neighboring country.
In the 2019 email, which the Polish press reported was published on Monday, Morawiecki’s top adviser, Michal Dworczyk, appears to inform the prime minister that he discussed some court cases with someone described as “president” Julia P., and that the cases were suspended.
The description is associated with the head of the controversial Polish Constitutional Court, Julia Przylebska, appointed by the ruling party.
Under his leadership, the court has issued favorable verdicts government policies and supported in its disputes with the European Union (EU).
On Tuesday, Przylebska reacted, saying that she “has never discussed any verdict of the Constitutional Court with anyone, apart from the debates between the judges of the court”, adding that she would not be intimidated by any “Russian provocateur”.
The government’s attempt to influence judges clashes with Poland’s constitution, but Morawiecki’s right-wing executive disagrees with EU bodies, which say judicial independence and the rule of law are being violated and that Poland has been fined by a body with disciplinary powers over judges.
Correspondence purportedly from Dworczyk and Morawiecki’s mailboxes has been trickling into the Polish press for a few months now.
The government has denied their authenticity, although some people named in the documents have claimed they are genuine. Prosecutors are investigating the case.
On Wednesday, Morawiecki did not directly classify the latest leaks as fakes, instead accusing Russia of hacking Polish government emails.
Source: Observadora
