Polish prosecutor’s office expands charges against Robert Bąkiewicz, leader of the Movement for the Defense of Borders, over his actions during a border incident.
Expanded Charges
Polish prosecutors have added new charges against Robert Bąkiewicz, who initially faced accusations of insulting border and military police officers during an intervention in Słubice. The new charges include spreading false information about the services online, publishing images of officers without consent, and attempting to persuade them not to perform their duties.
The charges have been classified as acts of a hooligan nature, which could increase the maximum penalty to four and a half years in prison.
Defendant’s Stance and Defense Reaction
During the interrogation, Bąkiewicz denied the charges, made a short statement, and refused to answer further questions. His lawyers announced they would appeal the preventive measures, which include police supervision, an obligation to inform about changes in residence, and a ban on approaching the German border.
The defense argued that the case should not be handled by the prosecutor’s office but rather in a private procedure.
Support from Sympathizers
A group of over 40 supporters of Bąkiewicz gathered outside the prosecutor’s office during the interrogation, many wearing “Movement for the Defense of Borders” vests and waving Polish flags.
The protesters chanted slogans opposing migration and expressing solidarity with Bąkiewicz.
Case Background
The prosecutor’s office in Gorzów Wielkopolski first charged Bąkiewicz on August 18 with insulting a border guard during events on a bridge in Słubice, which could have resulted in up to a year in prison.
Bąkiewicz and his defense maintained that the case had a political background and was an attempt to silence his activities within the Movement for the Defense of Borders.
