Petr Bystron, candidate in second place on the AfD’s European election list, has probably been more active in drumming up support for a pro-Russian portal than previously known. The media have access to recordings of the conversation.
According to media reports, investigators from the Czech Republic believe that AfD politician Petr Bystron was significantly more involved in a pro-Russian network than previously known. Bystron, who is running second on the AfD’s European election list, is said to have not only received money but also actively participated in the attempted influence, reports the “Zeit” newspaper, among others. According to “several sources”, the findings came from wiretapped conversations.
Petr Bystron denied accepting money
The investigations are therefore linked to the Russian propaganda network around the website “Voice of Europe”. Money is said to have flowed to European politicians for pro-Russian statements via the Prague-based Internet portal. In this context, allegations have already been made against Bystron and the AfD’s top candidate for the European elections, Maximilian Krah. Both denied accepting Russian money.
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As the “Zeit” now reported, Bystron is said to have discussed with the makers of “Voice of Europe” what would be published there. In addition, Bystron organized conferences across Europe, which the portal then reported on. Bystron is said to have proposed European politicians to set up the network. According to the report, the total budget for the campaign was originally up to two million euros. The conversations were intercepted in spring 2023, reports the “Zeit”.
In the crosshairs: politicians from Germany, Poland and Hungary
The Russian operation is said to have targeted politicians in Germany, France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Netherlands. According to its own information, “Zeit” cooperated in its research with journalists from “Denik N” in the Czech Republic, “Gazeta Wyborcza” in Poland, “Le Soir” and “De Morgen” in Belgium, “Le Monde” in France and the ARD magazine “Kontraste”.
Sources: (Paid content), AFP
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
