Tomasz Szmydt
MINSK, 9 May (BelTA) – The application of the Polish judge Tomasz Szmydt for political asylum in Belarus will be looked into. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement in front of reporters after taking part in Victory Day festivities in Pobedy Square on 9 May, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “He is a patriotic normal person. This is why I will definitely look into his application to me. We will examine all the matters and I will definitely look into his application.”
The head of state also mentioned he had instructed law enforcement agencies to ensure Tomasz Szmydt’s security: “We don’t want scoundrels to murder him. But he said he knows what he is doing. A brave man. With a normal head. A normal person as far as I am aware of.”
BelTA reported earlier that the other day the Polish judge, dissident Tomasz Szmydt requested protection from Belarusian authorities. “I’d like to address President Aleksandr Lukashenko directly,” Tomasz Szmydt said. “I beg your pardon for being bold but I’d like to ask for custody, security from the president and from Belarus as a whole.”
Tomasz Szmydt is a judge of the 2nd Department of the Voivodeship Administrative Court in Warsaw. In the past he held various positions in the judicial system and justice bodies of Poland. He was the head of the legal department at the National Council of Judges of Poland.
Due to his disagreement with the policies and actions of the government he was forced to leave Poland and is currently in Belarus. He was persecuted and threatened for his independent political position.
