Poland’s Parliament Votes 240-202 to Let Officials Freeze Crypto Before Court Review

A country's elected law-making body, which passes laws, approves budgets and holds the government to account.

Most major national decisions must pass through parliament.

A digital currency secured by cryptography and recorded on a blockchain, without a central bank issuing it.

Crypto prices are volatile, and governments are still deciding how to regulate it.

The first and largest cryptocurrency, created in 2009, with a fixed maximum supply and no central issuer.

Its price swings and adoption by funds and companies make it a bellwether for the whole crypto market.

Penalties such as trade bans, asset freezes or travel bans imposed by one or more countries on another country, group or person.

Sanctions are used to pressure governments without military action, with costs for both sides.