"Europe's Voice" - It's alleged that AfD politician Bystron participated actively in pro-Russian acts.
The Czech Republic's investigators are reportedly exploring the possibility that AfD politician Petr Bystron's involvement in a pro-Russian network was much more significant than initially thought. Bystron, who is listed as second on the AfD's European election list, is believed to have not only received funds but also actively contributed to efforts to exert influence, according to "Zeit" newspaper reports. These revelations are said to have come from intercepted conversations.
Bystron Denies Accepting Money
The investigations are said to be associated with the Russian propaganda network surrounding the online platform "Voice of Europe." It's alleged that European politicians were offered money in exchange for pro-Russian statements through this Prague-based internet portal. Both Bystron and the AfD's primary candidate for the European elections, Maximilian Krah, have denied receiving Russian funds.
According to "Zeit," Bystron reportedly collaborated with the people behind "Voice of Europe" on what would be published on the website. He's also said to have organized conferences across Europe, which were then reported on by the platform. Bystron is believed to have suggested European politicians for the creation of the network, with an initial budget of up to two million euros, according to the report. The conversations were allegedly intercepted in spring 2023, claims the "Zeit."
Goal: Influence European Politicians
The alleged Russian operation targeted politicians from Germany, France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and the Netherlands, aiming to sway their opinions. "Zeit" has partnered 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" in their research.
Read also:
The Czech Republic's investigators are delving deeper into allegations that Petr Bystron, the AfD's second-placed candidate in the European election, had a substantial role in a pro-Russian network, beyond initial assumptions, following revelations from intercepted conversations. Despite Bystron's denial of accepting money, reports suggest he collaborated with the "Voice of Europe" network and organized conferences pushing pro-Russian agendas across Europe.
