Court dismisses charges against “Nergal” of Behemoth for allegedly insulting Poland’s emblem, citing freedom of expression.
The District Court in Gdańsk has dismissed charges against Adam “Nergal” Darski, frontman of the band Behemoth, and two others for allegedly insulting the emblem of Poland. The decision, made on August 22, 2024, concluded that the case was unfounded and unnecessary, putting an end to the proceedings that had been ongoing since September 29, 2016.
Freedom of Expression
Prosecutor Mariusz Marciniak from the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Gdańsk confirmed that the charges were withdrawn following a reassessment of the case, citing freedom of expression and artistic license as reasons. All defendants, including graphic artist Rafał Wechterowicz and website manager Maciej Gruszka, agreed to the withdrawal of charges.
Controversial Artwork
The controversy began with promotional material for Behemoth’s 2016 tour “Rzeczpospolita Niewierna,” featuring a white eagle without a crown, devil horns, snakes, skulls, and an inverted cross, all set against a red background. This imagery led to accusations of disrespecting Poland’s national emblem. The case was previously reopened by the Gdańsk Court of Appeal, but has now been closed.