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New Criminal Cases Initiated on Attacks on Russian Embassies and Their Employees in European Countries

Based on the inspection results, the Investigative Committee of Russia initiated another three criminal cases on attacks on Russian embassies and their employees in the Czech Republic, the Republic of Lithuania, and the Republic of Poland. These actions constitute a crime under Part 2 of Article 360 of the Criminal Code (an attack on premises or persons enjoying international protection committed in order to complicate international relations).

So, on February 24, 2022, an attack was carried out on the building of the Russian Federation Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic. The attackers attempted to break into the territory of the Russian foreign institution, smashed surveillance cameras, and threw various items at the embassy building.

On February 26, 2022, an attack was carried out on the Russian Federation Embassy building in the capital of the Republic of Poland, during which the attackers broke the windows in the embassy premises, and also doused with paint a sign with official symbols installed on the gates of the main entrance to the building.

In both cases, the safety of employees of Russian institutions abroad was threatened, their normal operation was disrupted, and property was damaged.

Also, on February 24, 2022, an attack was carried out on the third secretary of the Russian Federation Embassy in Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania. He was hit multiple times on the head and body.

The investigators believe that in all cases the attackers were reliably aware that the attacked employee and the buildings they were going to attack enjoyed international protection and immunities. At the same time, they pursued the goal of complicating the international relations.

All circumstances of the incident are being clarified within the criminal case. The investigators will prepare the necessary requests for legal assistance to the relevant authorities of the foreign states.

Attacks on Russian institutions and internationally protected persons must be strictly prosecuted. The Investigative Committee of Russia will use all possible legal mechanisms to bring the perpetrators to justice.