According to justice Marta Laughter, a press spokesperson for the Criminal territory Court of Lublin, “the defendant’s conviction was abrogated and the proceedings were dismissed”. The court's decision is final.
The Foundation of Life and household informed about the result of the proceedings, which provided legal assistance to the Fr.
Controversial Facebook Graphics
The case concerns the graphics published on 25 October 2020 on the social profile of Father Matuszny. It featured a photograph of a female MP, Catherine Kotuli, in a mask decorated with red lightning, presented with an illustration of the Nazi youth, on which the lightning was besides visible. The full was covered with the slogan “Fascism, Yesterday and Today”.
In consequence to this publication, Mrs Kotula filed a private indictment against the clergyman. The court trial began in October 2023. Initially, the case was dismissed, but following an appeal by the MP's representative, the proceedings were resumed.
Sentence and appeal
In May 2024, the Lublin-West territory Court found Father Matuszny guilty of defamation of the MP, condemning him to a fine of PLN 3 1000 and an additional payment of PLN 1 1000 to the foundation We give Children the Force.
The court argued that the priest had done the talking, suggesting that Catherine Kotula promotes fascist views, which could harm her reputation and her ability to hold a parliamentary mandate.
The priest disagreed with the judgement and appealed. The Lublin territory Court, investigating the case, decided to dismiss it.
Page reactions
After a erstwhile conviction, Fr.Muszny commented on the matter, saying that "the requirements of God towards us, including respecting life... are clear" and that there is simply a debate in the country about the limits of freedom of expression in public space.
Catherine Kotuli's attorney, Catherine Kaleta, stressed that it was not about politicians not being immune to criticism but to maintaining common respect. In her opinion, "no 1 has the right to associate MPs with the toughest and worst fascist ideology".
Katarzyna Kotula, commenting on the decision of the court on the social platform, pointed out that in public space "there must be no place for hatred and contempt" and that there are limits which must not be exceeded.
Who are the heroes of the case?
Fr Mirosław Matuszny has served as parish priest in Snopków since 2020. He is known for his harsh statements on political and social issues, as well as his activities to defend conceived life. She sits on the board of the Foundation under Damascus, which organizes pilgrimages and offers intellectual and pedagogical consultations.
Katarzyna Kotula is simply a leftist politician who has served as a associate of the Sejm since 2019. In December 2023, she took the position of Minister for Equality.
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