Oskar Szafarowicz, a young activist from Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party, has publicly condemned a court decision to dismiss an appeal regarding the politically motivated assault he experienced in September 2024. According to Szafarowicz, a judge from the Warsaw-Praga District Court rejected his complaint against the prosecutor’s decision to discontinue the investigation. “It seems that opponents of Tusk’s regime can be beaten on the streets and threatened with death without consequence,” he said.
Court’s Decision Sparks Outrage
The controversial decision to drop the investigation into the assault, classified under Article 119 of the Polish Penal Code (a crime motivated by political discrimination), was made by prosecutor Kamil Patalon on November 15, 2024. Szafarowicz subsequently appealed, but on February 18, 2025, Judge Małgorzata Wasylczuk dismissed his motion after a brief hearing.
Szafarowicz, still reeling from the decision, expressed his frustration:
“Opponents of Tusk’s regime can be attacked in broad daylight and threatened with death. The physical bruises from September 9th have healed, but the dignity-related wounds inflicted by this court ruling are far more painful,” he stated.
He also highlighted what he perceived as political bias within the justice system, noting that prosecutor Patalon received his appointment from Adam Bodnar in May 2024.
A Dangerous Precedent for Political Violence
The PiS activist fears that the court’s ruling sets a dangerous precedent, emboldening individuals to commit politically motivated acts of aggression. “The attacker who harassed, grabbed, and hit me can now celebrate,” he said.
According to Szafarowicz, the judge acknowledged the extensive evidence provided, including surveillance footage, eyewitness testimonies, and a photograph of the assailant. Despite this, the court maintained that the victim failed to present new evidence.
“I am the victim, not an investigator. I provided all the necessary evidence, yet the court decided that without new material, the case should remain closed. This effectively grants societal approval for such attacks,” Szafarowicz explained.
The Attack: A Brutal Reminder of Political Tensions
The assault occurred on September 9, 2024, in the Saska Kępa district of Warsaw. Szafarowicz recounted the harrowing incident:
“The attacker yelled insults like, ‘You PiS scum, I’ll crush you,’ and ‘I’ll kill you, you PiS bastard.’ He followed me, dismounted his bike, physically assaulted me, and prepared to hit me again when bystanders intervened. As he left, he threatened to return, saying there was no place on Earth for PiS supporters.”
Despite the clear verbal and physical aggression, the investigation was closed due to the authorities’ claimed inability to identify the perpetrator.
Public Outcry and Political Implications
The court’s decision has sparked outrage among PiS supporters, with many seeing it as symptomatic of broader political polarization in Poland. The case underscores growing concerns about the safety of individuals involved in political opposition and the impartiality of state institutions.
Szafarowicz vows not to give up:
“I will fight for justice, not just for myself, but for anyone who may be targeted for their political beliefs. We cannot allow violence and fear to become the norm in Polish democracy.”
The case raises critical questions about the intersection of politics and justice in Poland, leaving many to wonder about the true state of democracy in the country.