The demonstration was organised by a group describing itself as “Catholic pro-life defenders”. What is particularly disturbing is that similar actions have already been deemed offences by the courts three times—one of the judgments is final. Despite this, the organisers once again decided to display graphic content in a public space, this time on a national holiday.
Despite journalists’ intervention and requests for a response, the city authorities did not decide to disperse the gathering. City Hall spokesperson Agnieszka Gergont, when asked about the possibility of intervention, referred to the opinion of city secretary Małgorzata Słonecka, according to whom “criminal provisions are not being violated” because “the Code of Petty Offences is not the Criminal Code”. When it was pointed out that the assemblies law refers to “criminal provisions” in the broad sense, also covering offences, the authorities’ position did not change. Police officers present at the scene said they had referred the matter to the City Office but had received no response. The city’s mayor Piotr Roman did not respond to the documentation concerning the demonstration.
The organisers’ conduct provoked outrage among passers-by, many of whom were shocked by the brutal image shown alongside the politician’s face. Some demonstration participants were identified by police officers.
Czy władze miasta powinny rozwiązać zgromadzenie?
The matter also has a political dimension. County councillor Cezariusz Rudyk submitted an interpellation to the County Board and the County Police Headquarters, demanding explanations and action regarding increasingly frequent cases of destroying Rafał Trzaskowski’s campaign materials and the lack of response to demonstrations that, in his view, violate legal provisions, including those concerning protection of personal rights and the rules governing election campaigns.
The interpellation asked about the number of reports concerning the destruction of campaign materials, whether the 3 May gathering was legal, and what action had been taken to ensure that it complied with the law. Rudyk also called for decisive steps to protect equality among candidates and respect for civil liberties in the forthcoming presidential election.
“This is absolutely unacceptable, disgusting, and it may affect children. I express my outrage and disapproval of such actions. These people should simply go and express their views. It is disgusting and unbecoming of believers and Catholics. It is simply disgusting,” Piotr Borys, a Member of Parliament from the Civic Coalition, told istotne.pl.Piotr Borys, a Member of Parliament from the Civic Coalition.
Full text of the councillor’s interpellation to the police and county authorities
Bolesławiec, 4 May 2025
Cezariusz Rudyk, Councillor of Bolesławiec County
To: The Board of Bolesławiec County and the County Police Commander in Bolesławiec
Interpellation by a Bolesławiec County councillor concerning the lack of response from services and authorities to political incidents in Bolesławiec
Pursuant to Article 21(2) of the Act on County Self-Government (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 1526, as amended), I submit this interpellation in connection with disturbing events that took place in Bolesławiec County.
On 3 May 2025, a demonstration organised by a group of citizens describing themselves as ‘Catholics’ took place in Bolesławiec’s market square. An image of Rafał Trzaskowski, a candidate for President of the Republic of Poland in the 2025 election, was used during the demonstration. The form in which the materials were presented and the manner in which the demonstration was conducted raised serious doubts as to their compliance with applicable law, including provisions concerning the protection of personal rights, the Electoral Code and the law on public assemblies.
At the same time, campaign materials supporting Rafał Trzaskowski have been destroyed in Bolesławiec and throughout the county for some time, including posters and banners being torn down or vandalised. Despite reports made by residents and volunteers of the election committee, the Police and municipal authorities have failed to take decisive action.
Such incidents not only undermine citizens’ trust in public institutions but also violate the principles of equality among candidates in elections and civil liberties.
In view of the above, I submit the following questions:
- Is the County Police Headquarters in Bolesławiec conducting any proceedings concerning the destruction of Rafał Trzaskowski’s campaign materials?
- How many reports concerning such incidents have been submitted to the Headquarters since the beginning of the election campaign?
- Was the demonstration of 3 May 2025 reported in accordance with the applicable law on public assemblies, and if so, what action did the law-enforcement services take to ensure that it proceeded in compliance with the law?
- Do the County and Bolesławiec municipal authorities intend to take action to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly to ensure equality and respect for the rights of participants in the electoral process?
Given the seriousness of the situation and the approaching presidential election, I ask you to take a position on this matter without delay and provide a written response in accordance with the applicable statutory procedure.
Yours faithfully, Cezariusz Rudyk