Former Polish Defense Minister and PM Mariusz Błaszczak (PiS) is facing charges for revealing classified details of the "Warta" defense plan, which mapped out Poland’s strategy against a possible Russian invasion.
Błaszczak disclosed parts of the document in 2023, during an election campaign, accusing the previous government of planning to defend only half the country.
Prosecutors argue that the former deputy prime minister overstepped his authority and endangered national security by revealing sensitive defense strategies without proper authorization.
The Law and Justice (PiS) party, including its leader Jarosław Kaczyński, defends Błaszczak, calling the charges politically motivated. Protests have erupted outside the prosecutor’s office in Warsaw as the investigation continues.
Update: Błaszczak charged over leaked military plan
Former Defense Minister and PiS MP Mariusz Błaszczak confirmed on Friday that he has been formally charged with disclosing classified details of Poland’s "Warta" military defense plan in 2023, TVN24 reports.
The 2011 plan outlined defense strategies against a potential Russian invasion; Błaszczak cited excerpts during the 2023 election campaign to accuse former government officials of planning to retreat behind the Vistula River in the event of war.
Up to 10 years in prison for former Polish defense minister over leaked war plan
Błaszczak, now a PiS MP, denies the allegations and calls the case politically motivated. He refused to answer prosecutors' questions but provided a brief statement through his lawyers. While he faces up to 10 years in prison, no preventive measures have been imposed against him.
(m p)
Source: PAP/IAR/TVN24