Poland expels 15 Russians and Belarusians who tried to take part in Karate World Championships
The 11 Belarusian citizens and four Russians had entered Poland on tourist visas.
Poland has expelled 15 Russians and Belarusians who attempted to participate in the youth world karate championships held in the city of Bielsko-Biała. According to border guard spokesman Szymon Mościcki, the individuals entered the country with tourist visas, which raised suspicions about their true purpose. Upon their detention, they were given an eight-day deadline to leave the country.
The incident occurred one day after the cadet, junior, and U-21 categories of the tournament concluded in Bielsko-Biała. Prior to this event, Russia's TASS news agency had reported that some of their junior karatekas intended to compete in the championship. While the World Karate Federation permits athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under a neutral flag, Poland enforces a stringent policy prohibiting their participation in such events.
This stance led to the ban of Poland as a host for a World Cup ski jumping competition and two European junior weightlifting championships.
Written by urgent.news from Notes from Poland's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
