A wave of attacks across Europe? Czech authorities foil Russian-backed arson plot in Prague
On Monday, after the conclusion of the State Security Council meeting, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that security services had foiled an arson attempt in Prague. He suspects that these actions were organized and financed by Russia. On Thursday, police detained a foreigner who attempted to commit arson.
A 26-year-old man from South America was detained on Thursday while trying to set fire to city buses at one of Prague's depots. He has been charged with participating in an act of terrorism, which carries a penalty of 12 to 20 years in prison or even life imprisonment. The court has decided to detain the suspect temporarily.
Prime Minister Fiala emphasized that in recent weeks, there have been reports suggesting that Russian intelligence might be involved in attacks across Europe. He cited arson attacks in Poland as an example. In his opinion, these actions are part of an ongoing hybrid war against which the Czech Republic must defend itself.
Interior Minister Vit Rakuszan noted that such attacks could be planned throughout Europe. "We have received information that the Czech Republic may be targeted," the minister added. "We are used to the fact that Russian attacks were mainly hybrid and focused on IT infrastructure, but now we are reaching the stage where attacks have included physical objects," he explained.
Reactions of the services after the arson attempt
Police Chief Martin Vondraszek reported that the man had arrived in the Czech Republic five days ago and was detained during the arson attempt. Additional security measures were implemented nationwide after receiving information about the potential attack and the suspect's arrest. Extra police patrols appeared on the streets, shopping centers, public transportation, and train stations. In some places, officers were armed with long guns.
The Interior Minister reassured that the measures taken are primarily preventive and that there is no immediate threat to the residents of the Czech Republic.
