Interpol refuses to issue red notice for defected Polish ex-judge Szmydt

June 5, Pozirk. Interpol rejected Polish prosecutors’ request to include ex-judge Tomasz Szmyd, who defected to Belarus, in its red notice list that requires law enforcers worldwide to locate and arrest persons pending legal action, Polish police spokesperson Katarzyna Nowak told PAP.

Interpol prohibits the use of its channels for transmitting data on crimes linked to national security threats, including espionage considered a political crime, she noted.

Szmydt’s defection to Belarus was reported on May 6. He claimed that he “was persecuted and threatened for his independent political position” in Poland and was forced to flee because of disagreement with the government’s policy.

Three days later, the Polish Supreme Administrative Court dismissed Szmydt, sanctioning his arrest and prosecution for alleged involvement in foreign intelligence activities.

In mid-May, the Warsaw District Court ruled without the defendant being present to arrest Szmydt for three months.

Also read: Polish judge who defected to Belarus given three months under arrest in Poland