On Thursday, November 20, the Warsaw‑Woli District Court cleared Tomasz Sakiewicz of defamation, issuing a verdict that counters former Senate Marshal Tomasz Grodzki’s lawsuit against the editor of Gazeta Polska and the president of TV Republika.
Verdict Issued – Sakiewicz Acquitted
The court found no evidence that Sakiewicz defamed Grodzki or the president of TV Republika. Therefore, Sakiewicz was formally cleared of the allegations.
Basis of the Lawsuit – Alleged Defamation by TV Rep
Grodzki, former Marshal of Poland’s Senate, accused Sakiewicz, editor of Gazeta Polska, and the president of TV Republika of slander and humiliation. These accusations are covered under Articles 212 and 216 of the Polish Penal Code.
Content of the Complaint – Tweets and Media Statements
The complaint stemmed from a January 2020 tweet by Sakiewicz criticizing Grodzki’s use of the then‑Twitter platform, calling him a “typical bribe‑taker” and “a disgraceful man”. The suit also referenced statements made that month wherein the heads of right‑wing media branded Grodzki with similar insults.
Sakiewicz’s Response – One‑Line Victory on X
After the verdict, Sakiewicz posted on X: “I won today against Tomasz Grodzki!”
TV Republika’s Covering – Live Recording of the Verdict
TV Republika broadcast a nearly one‑minute clip of the judge reading the acquittal. The audience erupted in applause and chants of “thank you” and “freedom of speech.”
Grodzki’s Prior Denials – Claims of Bribery
In January 2020, Grodzki denied ever taking bribes while working as a doctor, replayed an alleged patient’s claim that financial offers were made to defame him, and mentioned two other patients who wished to remain anonymous, alleging that their businesses were threatened if they did not testify against him.
