Russia has emerged as the prime suspect behind a foiled arson attack on a Prague bus depot last week.
The revelation was made following a meeting of the State Security Council today with the Czech Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, later rounding on Russia who he accuses of deliberately destabilizing the country.
Speaking at a press conference, Fiala said: “There is a suspicion that the attack was organized and financed probably by Russia. It is part of a hybrid war waged against us by Russia which we have to defend ourselves against and which we must stop. Russia is repeatedly trying to sow unrest and undermine trust in our state.”
According to the police, the attack was thwarted after staff spotted a young male pouring gasoline on some buses in the Prague 9 district. Fleeing the scene before he was able to set them alight, he became the subject of a two-day manhunt before being apprehended at the weekend.
Described as a 26-year-old Spanish-speaking man from South America, the suspect has since been charged with ‘participation in a terrorist act’. If found guilty, he faces between 12 to 20 years imprisonment.
Despite the suspect’s country of origin, suspicions that Russia orchestrated the act have mounted.
“In recent weeks there have been reports that Russian intelligence may be involved in attacks throughout Europe,” said Fiala, before citing the recent incidents of arson in Poland.
Interior Minister Vit Rakushan added: “We have received information that the Czech Republic may be targeted. 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.”
The Russian Embassy in Prague has so far declined to comment.
Speaking at a press conference, Fiala said: “There is a suspicion that the attack was organized and financed probably by Russia. It is part of a hybrid war waged against us by Russia which we have to defend ourselves against and which we must stop. Russia is repeatedly trying to sow unrest and undermine trust in our state.”
According to the police, the attack was thwarted after staff spotted a young male pouring gasoline on some buses in the Prague 9 district. Fleeing the scene before he was able to set them alight, he became the subject of a two-day manhunt before being apprehended at the weekend.
Described as a 26-year-old Spanish-speaking man from South America, the suspect has since been charged with ‘participation in a terrorist act’. If found guilty, he faces between 12 to 20 years imprisonment.
Despite the suspect’s country of origin, suspicions that Russia orchestrated the act have mounted.
“In recent weeks there have been reports that Russian intelligence may be involved in attacks throughout Europe,” said Fiala, before citing the recent incidents of arson in Poland.
Interior Minister Vit Rakushan added: “We have received information that the Czech Republic may be targeted. 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.”
The Russian Embassy in Prague has so far declined to comment.
Source: PAP / Reuters / Radio CZ
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