Krzysztof Ruchniewicz dismissed Hanna Radziejowska from her post as director of the German branch of the Pilecki Institute. Previously, Radziejowska had informed the Ministry of Culture of irregularities at the institute and was recognized as a whistleblower. Virtual Polska uncovered new details about the case.
Scandal at the Pilecki Institute: Hanna Radziejowska Becomes a Whistleblower
Reports indicate that Hanna Radziejowska, who served as the director of the Pilecki Institute’s German branch, has been named a whistleblower after she alerted the Ministry of Culture about alleged irregularities within the.
Krzysztof Ruchniewicz Announces Dismissal of Hanna Radziejowska
On Thursday, August 14, Krzysztof Ruchniewicz, head of the Pilecki Institute, informed the public that he had dismissed Hanna Radziejowska from her role as director of the Berlin branch. Prior to this, Radziejowska had communicated irregularities to Minister of Culture Marta Cienkowska regarding the institution’s operations. Similar allegations were also received from former culture minister Hanna Wróblewska. Virtual Polska confirmed that in April of that year Radziejowska was officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a whistleblower.
Was Radziejowska’s Dismissal a Form of Retribution by Ruchniewicz?
Whistleblowers are afforded protection under specific regulations; their identities remain confidential. If a whistleblower reports misconduct involving their employer, it is unlawful for the employer to take retaliatory action. This legal framework raises questions about whether Ruchniewicz’s decision to dismiss Radziejowska was a punitive response to her disclosures to the Ministry of Culture.
Confidential Correspondence Leaked
In July, Radziejowska sent a letter to Minister Marta Cienkowska and Ambassador Jan Tombiński regarding a planned Pilecki Institute seminar on the return of cultural artifacts to Germany. She indicated that the initiative was spearheaded by Ruchniewicz and reiterated that she was providing information under whistleblower protection and desired confidentiality. Virtual Polska notes that Ruchniewicz not only had access to public records but also to the entirety of Radziejowska’s correspondence.
Radziejowska’s Letter Circulates Among Politicians and Officials
Virtual Polska investigated whether journalists could obtain the letter. By contacting a government coalition MP, it learned that within hours the MP had shared a copy of the letter marked confidential by its author. The document has reportedly begun circulating among politicians and civil servants as a point of interest.
Hanna Radziejowska: I Will Pursue My Rights in German Courts
In an interview with Virtual Polska, Radziejowska said she received the dismissal notice half an hour before the Thursday press conference during which Ruchniewicz announced his decision. “I fail to understand the reasons for the dismissal, but I realize the institute is proceeding with a disciplinary dismissal of my employment. I am employed under German law and will defend my rights before German courts. I do not regret my actions. I am a patriot who strives to keep our common good running well,” she stated. She added that she had informed the appropriate authorities about institutional problems previously.
Kaynaklar:
Wirtualna Polska, Gazeta.pl
