Spanish journalist accused of spying for Russia detained on Ukraine’s border

A Spanish journalist has been arrested in Poland on suspicion of spying.

The reporter was detained by the Internal Security Agency in Przemsyl, near the border with Ukraine.

According to authorities in Warsaw, the arrest of the male suspected agent happened on the night of February 27 in the early days of the war.

His Spanish lawyer named him as Pablo Gonzalez, a reporter for several Spanish media including online newspaper Publico and TV station La Sexta.

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Both outlets have recognised Gonzalez as having worked with them.

Lawyer Gonzalo Boye said: ‘After 4 days, we have just been informed by the Consulate of Spain in Poland that Pablo Gonzalez is charged with the crime of espionage under article 130.1 of the Polish Penal Code and is in provisional detention in Rzeszow prison.

Boye told Reuters he was trying to get in contact with Gonzalez but had not yet been given access to his client.

He demanded the immediate release of his client.

Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed it had been informed by Polish authorities of the charges but could not provide any details. 

A spokesperson said the government will offer consular assistance and provide whatever help it can in line with usual policy.

ABW said the man carried out operations to benefit Russia, and travelled in Europe and elsewhere under cover of being a journalist.

A statement read: ‘Before his detention, he was planning to go to Ukraine in order to continue his activity.’

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The man will remain in custody for three months initially, and faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty, according to the agency.

Hundreds of thousands of people have fled over the border into Poland in recent days.

According to the UN, the number of people displaced by the war has already surpassed one million.

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