On Friday, Duda spoke by telephone with the President of the DRC to address the situation of Mariusz Majewski, who was convicted on charges of espionage.
"It is the duty of the Polish state to take care of the life and health of Polish citizens who are in such a dramatic situation," Wojciech Kolarski, a Secretary of State in Duda’s office, said in an interview with private broadcaster RMF24. He confirmed ongoing cooperation between the presidential chancellery and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure Majewski's immediate release.
Majewski, an avid traveler and member of a travel club, was accused of espionage, sabotage, and destruction of military installations. He was sentenced by a military tribunal on May 23. Polish MFA spokesman Paweł Wroński defended Majewski, emphasizing his lack of familiarity with local customs and the unfortunate coincidence of events that led to his arrest.
"We are aware of the very difficult political situation in the DR Congo, including the civil war and recent coup attempt. However, we hope that justice will prevail and Mariusz Majewski will not be caught up in a situation beyond his control," Wroński said.
Deputy Ministers Andrzej Szejna and Henryka Mościcka-Dendys have been actively engaging with DRC authorities. Szejna noted that formalities related to the change of government in the DRC might delay proceedings but expressed hope for a positive outcome, indicating that the decision for Majewski's release had been made but still required approval from the new prime minister.
(jh)
Source: IAR, PAP
