Poland orders 15 Russians and Belarusians to leave after karate event checks

Polish border guards ordered 11 Belarusian citizens and four Russians to leave the country within eight days after detaining them in Bielsko-Biala. TVP World reported that the group allegedly sought entry to youth world karate championships despite participation restrictions.

A Border Guard spokesperson told the broadcaster that all 15 had entered on tourist visas. The agency said this did not match the purpose of their stay in Poland.

Polish Karate Union president Pawel Poltorzecki told TVP that organizers had received warnings that Russian and Belarusian athletes might try to enter the competition. They subsequently asked border guards to investigate.

The championships for cadets, juniors and under-21 athletes ran in Bielsko-Biala from October 14 to 18. The Polish Karate Union had previously said Russian athletes were absent from the official entry list.

The Border Guard spokesperson said eight days was the shortest departure deadline permitted under the procedure.