A 33‑year‑old inmate, Bartłomiej Miecznikowski, died in Czarny prison on May 18, prompting investigations that are now attracting headlines across Poland.
Miecznikowski’s Death in Czarny Prison
Bartłomiej Miecznikowski was serving a four‑year sentence for participating in a robbery when he died at the end of May. Polish prosecutors are probing the circumstances, but official reports state the death was natural. The investigation concerns alleged involuntary manslaughter related to the inmate’s death.
Family Pleas for Transparency After News Coverage
Following Polsat News’ broadcast of its investigation, Miecznikowski’s family demanded the release of all documentary material to inform the public and highlight their son’s death in the facility.
Additional Prison Deaths in Pomerania
The same report prompted others to seek explanations for their relatives’ deaths in the region’s prisons. One case involved 33‑year‑old Radosław Gburek, who died in 2020 after a conflict with a guard and an attempted—but failed—sedative administration, leading to loss of consciousness and death a few minutes later.
Prosecutors closed that case, citing an “acute left‑lateral circulatory failure” as the cause. The family’s plea in this instance also called attention to alleged abuse and drug distribution within the prison.
Statements from the Prison Service
Deputy General Director of the Prison Service, Colonel Arleta Pęconek, stated that 13 deaths occurred in the last ten months at Czarny Prison, nine of which were in the prison hospital. She noted that the remaining four deaths occurred on the prison grounds but was unable to provide details on their causes.
