In fresh days Poland has faced a wave of national incidents that are of serious concern. The loudest case concerns a 61-year-old girl from Raciborz who in a store on Bosacka Street insulted 2 expeditions of Ukrainian nationality. The man started a brawl by directing insults against women due to their origins, and now he is facing imprisonment for up to 3 years. This is an inseparable case – police and social organizations are alerting about the increasing number of akin events across the country, stressing that insulting individuals due to their national, cultural or racial origin constitutes a criminal being prosecuted ex officio. fresh events call into question the level of tolerance and respect in society, while stressing the urgent request for a strong legal consequence and awareness.
Racist attack in Raciborz: details of the incident
The event that shook public opinion occurred last Thursday in 1 of the shops in Raciborz. A 61-year-old resident of the city, while serving at the cash register, began insulting an expedition of Ukrainian nationality, utilizing offensive words related to its origin. The Aggressor did not halt with 1 individual – his profanity and insults besides directed the employees of the store, besides Ukrainians. A fast intervention by the service led to the arrest of a man who was sent to police custody. He has already been charged with Article 257 of the Criminal Code, which concerns the public insulting of a group of people or individual due to its national, ethnic, racial, spiritual or due to its undeniality. For that crime, he's in danger. fine up to 3 years in prison. The Raciborz case is simply a clear signal that law enforcement will not tolerate acts of discrimination.
Hate speech in Poland: an expanding wave of incidents
The incidental in Raciborz is just 1 of many examples of a increasing wave of hatred speech and aggression against foreigners that the service and media inform about. Almost at the same time, in Chojnice, Pomorskie, a 43-year-old shouted offensive slogans about foreigners, acting aggressively on the street and waving a weapon-like object. The MEP Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz from KO pointed out further attacks: in Starogard Gdańsk, a Tunisian was attacked, who works, studies and engages in charity, and in Wałbrzych a foreigner was beaten after a false accusation. The case from Rudy Śląska is peculiarly scandalous, where an 18-year-old Ukrainian citizen was brutally robbed and abandoned in the forest. These events, although different in character, combine the common denominator – hate and prejudice against cultural or racial backgroundwhich leads to physical and intellectual violence. Their frequency and strength represent a serious challenge for Polish society.
What's the threat of insulting? The law is clear
Police consistently remind that insulting individuals due to their national, cultural or racial origin is an ex officio criminal offence. This means that the injured person's request is not needed to initiate proceedings – law enforcement authorities are obliged to act on their own initiative as shortly as they know of the act. The legal basis is Article 257 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to 3 years. The intent of this provision is to defend the dignity and rights of all persons, regardless of their origin, and to guarantee safety and public order. Public insults, incitement to hatred or the usage of force on racist or xenophobic grounds are taken very seriously. Law enforcement authorities stress that tolerance and respect for another man are the foundation of a safe and open society, and violating the dignity of others is unacceptable and will be severely punished.
How to respond to discrimination? Police Appeal
In the face of increasing incidents, it is essential that society acts consciously and responsibly. Police officials say: “Every case of discrimination and hatred speech should be immediately notified to the order services‘. It is not only the legal obligation, but besides the moral work of any citizen who is simply a witness or victim of specified an event. Reporting the incidental allows you to respond quickly, halt the perpetrators and hold them to criminal responsibility. The police guarantee that each study is taken seriously and thoroughly verified. It is crucial to remember that silence in the face of acts of hatred only perpetuates them. Action is essential to build a society based on common respect and tolerance, where everyone, regardless of their origins, feels safe and can live without fear of discrimination.
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Attacks on foreigners in Poland. Police warn: 3 years in jail!
