The Ministry of Justice has dismissed Michał Sopiński, former associate of Marcin Romanowski, from his role as Rector-Commandant of the Academy of Justice following an administrative investigation into political bias and academic irregularities.
Administrative Dismissal and Sopiński’s Refusal
The Ministry of Justice concluded an administrative proceeding against Michał Sopiński, initiated by Minister Adam Bodnar. While the Ministry maintains the dismissal is valid, Sopiński refuses to step down, claiming he has not been properly notified and is protected by a Constitutional Tribunal injunction.
Justice Minister Adam Bodnar commented on the dismissal via social media, expressing a desire for Sopiński to pursue his political career far from public academic institutions.
Reasons for Termination
The Ministry cited three primary grounds for the dismissal. These include severe irregularities in doctoral procedures that threatened the university’s academic credibility, and a demonstrative, systematic engagement in political activity that violated the neutrality required of a Prison Service institution.
The third cited reason concerns an unauthorized challenge to the status of the President of the Warsaw District Court, which the Ministry stated created a real risk to the proper organization of the judicial apprenticeship program.
History of Political Controversy
Sopiński, a former official in Zbigniew Ziobro’s ministry and a known associate of Marcin Romanowski, faced prior disciplinary scrutiny for using his position for self-promotion. In 2024, the Ministry highlighted his public political support for the Sovereign Poland party and his frequent social media attacks on political opponents.
The Ministry further criticized past conduct in which Sopiński allegedly encouraged physical violence and humiliation against Holocaust researchers, as well as using derogatory language toward public figures, which the government deemed incompatible with his leadership role.
