Poland signs bill banning Russian coal imports
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The Polish President Andrzej Duda signed the bill that allows an embargo on coal imports from Russia.
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Polish President Andrzej Duda (AP)
According to the presidential office, Polish President Andrzej Duda signed a measure into law on Thursday that provides for the imposition of an embargo on Russian coal imports, as well as the freezing of assets belonging to commercial organizations that assist Russia.
Previously, the law was approved by both chambers of Poland's Parliament.
Read more: Russia expels 45 Polish diplomats
In a statement, the presidential office said the special measures are to "protect national security."
The law prohibits Russia from importing coal into Poland. Penalties, including jail, will be imposed for violating the ban.
The law also allows for the freezing of finances and other assets of persons and legal organizations on a specific list kept by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration of Poland. The list will be replenished by the Ministry's head on his own initiative or at the request of special services and other government entities.
Deputy Minister of the Interior Maciej Wonsik explained while presenting the draft law that the list would be independently maintained by Poland and that it would be broader than sanctions on Russia by the EU.
Wonsik underlined that in addition to freezing and disposing of assets, organizations, and persons on the list would be unable to participate in public tenders and to enter Poland.
