“This case represents one of the greatest disgraces of the Polish justice system. Despite sworn testimony from dozens of witnesses, and despite ongoing proceedings involving Tomasz Grodzki’s associates, the only person sentenced so far is a journalist,” emphasized Tomasz Sakiewicz, Editor-in-chief of Gazeta Polska and president of TV Republika. The corruption case involving Tomasz Grodzki and a hospital in Szczecin has been widely reported by Niezalezna.pl, Gazeta Polska, and Gazeta Polska Codziennie.
Tomasz Duklanowski was convicted in the first instance of a defamation lawsuit brought by doctor and politician Tomasz Grodzki. Both parties have announced they will appeal the ruling. At the senator’s request, the trial was held behind closed doors. Grodzki claimed to have been offended by Duklanowski’s articles, which exposed the so-called “envelope affair.” Victims who testified under oath reportedly confirmed the practice of accepting financial bribes.
“This case is one of the justice system’s biggest embarrassments. Despite dozens of sworn testimonies and ongoing investigations into Grodzki’s collaborators, the only verdict so far is against a journalist,” Sakiewicz told Niezalezna.pl.
Niezalezna.pl has previously reported on the case: “Trial of doctors from the foundation established by Grodzki begins. Duklanowski: There are over 200 witnesses involved.”
Sakiewicz also reminded that before the case reached the courtroom and the evidence became public, “Grodzki spent years hiding behind parliamentary immunity.” He added, “And eventually, the case was buried.”
“There is no greater disgrace for the justice system than this verdict. The name of the judge who made this decision should be remembered. That person should never preside over a case again,” he concluded.
The judicial panel in the case was chaired by Judge Iwona Ramontowska.