A Polish lawmaker has filed a complaint against a Ukrainian journalist who publicly insulted the Polish president during a television program, prompting a public interest investigation by Lublin prosecutors.
Journalist Faced Complaint for Calling President a ‘Pig’>
Witalij Mazurenko, a Ukrainian journalist, used highly offensive language during a TV debate in August, calling President Andrzej Duda a “pachan,” a Russian term referring to someone of criminal leadership. Mazurenko, who possesses Polish citizenship, made these remarks after the president vetoed a bill providing support to Ukrainian refugees.
Prosecutor’s Office Launches Preliminary Investigation
Polish lawmaker Dariusz Matecki, president of the Antypolonizm Monitor Center, filed the complaint against the journalist. The Prosecutor’s Office in Lublin confirmed receiving the complaint and is now conducting a preliminary inquiry to determine how to proceed further. The case will depend on the location where the offensive behavior was committed or broadcast.
Journalist’s Contradictory Apologies and Defensiveness
Mazurenko’s comments received widespread criticism and ignited a response from the President’s Office. Head of the President’s Chancellery, Zbigniew Bogucki, stated that Mazurenko should be prosecuted “ex officio” for publicly insulting the President of the Republic of Poland. Following public backlash, Mazurenko initially apologized on social media, but later expressed regret for the apology itself.
