Russian journalist appeals against residency withdrawal

“Today [Tuesday] I will submit my appeal to the head of the Office for Foreigners,” Sviridov said at a joint press conference with the Russian Ambassador Sergey Andreev.

The move comes after Sviridov had his residency permit revoked in late April following government calls to reprimand the journalist on the back of a report from the ABW Internal Security Agency recommending to withdraw his right to remain in Poland due to alleged spying charges.

While the contents of the report are under wraps, back in October last year the Polish Foreign Ministry stripped Sviridov of his official accreditation, with Polish Radio learning from an unnamed source that his activities “went beyond his official obligations as a journalist”.

Sviridov has vehemently denied the claims, saying that “I have never cooperated with any [secret] services,” adding that “I will defend my name”.

Ambassador Andreev also said that “there are no reasons for the decision [to revoke Sviridov’s residency permit]”.

“I don’t understand it.” (jb)

Source: PAP