In a statement underlining the gravity of the situation, lawyer Bartosz Lewandowski cited Article 259, Paragraph 1 of the Polish Criminal Procedure Code, which concerns the “danger to life or health” as a reason against the continued temporary detention of Fr. Michał Olszewski. This was posted alongside a recent photograph of the priest, highlighting the alarming state of his health after over five months in detention.
Today, the entire nation of Poland was able to witness the shocking transformation of Fr. Olszewski, who has been held in custody under the supervision of prosecutor Bodnar. In just under half a year, his appearance has changed drastically, leaving him almost unrecognizable.
The hearing, during which Fr. Olszewski was escorted into the courtroom, focused on an appeal filed by his defense team regarding his arrest. The priest himself provided an extensive testimony that lasted about an hour. His attorney, Michał Skwarzyński, described the testimony as “shocking” after the session ended.
However, the court decided today to postpone the proceedings until October 18, 2024.
“His Health Condition is Very Poor”
The sight of the visibly emaciated priest, immediately raising his hands to bless those gathered in the courtroom, left a powerful impression. The image of Fr. Olszewski quickly circulated across social media, drawing widespread attention and concern.
As Lewandowski pointed out, the case undoubtedly meets the criteria outlined in Article 259, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which states that continued detention is inadvisable due to “danger to life or health.”
Public Outcry on Social Media
Social media users expressed their shock and outrage over the priest’s condition. “I have to admit, I’m somewhat floored. After a few months under prosecutor Bodnar’s care, Fr. Olszewski looks like a prisoner from the Azov Regiment,” wrote a woman named Magda.
Muszę przyznać, że jestem nieco znokautowana. Po paru miesiącach pod opieką prokuratora Bodnara ks. Olszewski wygląda jak jeniec z pułku Azow. pic.twitter.com/7Ui1GlWMfN
— Magda Nierebińska (@NieMagda) September 6, 2024
Another user, Kamil, shared his thoughts: “This is Europe in the 21st century. Emaciated, weakened, shaved bald. This is what Fr. Michał Olszewski, who has been tortured, looks like today. People, you’ve entrusted power to the Polish Lukashenko! Tusk’s regime will be held responsible for this as soon as there’s a change in power. And in the afterlife, they will rot in hell.”
Europa, XXI wiek. Wychudzony, osłabiony, ogolony na łyso. Tak dziś wygląda torturowany ks. Michał Olszewski. Ludzie, powierzyliście władzę polskiemu Łukaszence!
— Kamil Starczyk (@starczyk) September 6, 2024
Reżim Tuska odpowie za to, gdy tylko zmieni się władza. A w życiu po życiu smażyć będą się w piekle. pic.twitter.com/E8WpC7ffGk
One particularly impassioned post echoed sentiments of fear and concern over the repression of the Church: “‘If they come to destroy this nation, they will start with the Church because the Church is the strength of this nation,’ said Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński. How much longer will we stand by, watching this brutality with folded hands? Fr. Olszewski didn’t deserve this!!”