“I didn’t even know there was a six-month sentence. I am ready to go to prison to overthrow this government,” says Adam Borowski, commenting on the court’s decision. The legendary anti-communist opposition activist and head of the Warsaw Gazeta Polska Club has been sentenced to six months of unconditional imprisonment in a case brought by private prosecution by Roman Giertych. The verdict, according to Borowski, was issued without his knowledge and deprived him of the opportunity to appeal.
Adam Borowski, a legendary anti-communist opposition activist and head of the Warsaw Gazeta Polska Club, was sentenced to six months of unconditional deprivation of liberty in a case initiated by a private indictment authored by Roman Giertych. The verdict was based on Article 212 §2 of the Penal Code and concerned statements made by Borowski on TV Republika more than a year ago.
The case was heard before the District Court for Warsaw-Śródmieście, Second Criminal Division. The private prosecutor argued that words were uttered that could “demean him in public opinion or expose him to a loss of trust necessary for the practice of the legal profession.” Giertych also sought PLN 200,000 in compensation.
The public was informed of the verdict by Gazeta Polska editor-in-chief Tomasz Sakiewicz. Borowski himself, according to his account, learned of the conviction only later. Speaking on TV Republika, he said:
“The verdict was issued earlier; I learned about it today (…) I didn’t even know there was a six-month sentence.”
As he emphasized, he had no opportunity to file an appeal because he did not know the content of the judgment. In the further part of his statement, Borowski spoke more broadly about the political situation in the country:
“At the moment when this government began to govern and break the law and the constitution, I knew that we must be ready for sacrifices (…) this authority is an evil authority that wants to introduce terror here.”
“I took part in all the demonstrations, and I continue to say, having this verdict: we must be ready for sacrifices. I am ready to go to prison to overthrow this government, because this government is anti-Polish. Every day of its rule is a loss for Poles and for Poland. I did not slander Mr. Giertych, I told the truth,”
he added.
Adam Borowski is 70 years old; he has suffered a stroke and is battling cancer.