Polish Man Freed by Congo After Espionage Sentence

Polish Citizen Released by Congo After Espionage Sentence
Mariusz Majewski, a Polish national previously sentenced to life imprisonment on espionage charges by the Congolese authorities, has been freed and is now back in Europe, announced Poland’s Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski. Majewski, 52, was arrested in February in the Democratic Republic of Congo and faced accusations of espionage for activities including unauthorized photography and observation of military operations.
Poland has consistently argued for Majewski’s innocence, emphasizing that he was a traveler with a keen interest in exploration rather than espionage. The Polish President Andrzej Duda had engaged in discussions with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi to facilitate Majewski’s release. According to Poland’s Foreign Ministry, Majewski’s actions were misunderstood due to his unfamiliarity with local norms rather than any malicious intent.
His arrest had come amid heightened security concerns in Congo, where the army reported thwarting a coup attempt earlier this month, resulting in several arrests, including foreigners. The incident involving Majewski highlighted the ongoing violence and tension in the region, particularly with the involvement of the Mobondo militia group in intercommunal conflicts since 2022.
The release of Majewski underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the potential risks for foreigners in conflict-prone areas. Poland, lacking a diplomatic mission in Congo, had to navigate these challenges to secure the release of its citizen.