Warsaw has reacted angrily after Belarus arrested a Polish clergyman on suspicion of espionage.

Belarusian state media reported on Friday that agents from the state security service had detained the man and found documents on him related to joint military exercises planned by Belarus and its ally, Russia. Poland has called the move a provocation and promised a “response”.

The priest, identified as Grzegorz Gawel, was arrested the previous day in the city of Lepel, east of the capital, Minsk. A Belarusian national was also detained.

State news agency Belta reported that the Polish suspect possessed a copy of a document concerning the Zapad 25 exercises due to take place this month. He also had Belarusian and foreign cash and a portable telephone SIM card registered to someone else.

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