Claiming that the State Protection Service (SOP) fails to guarantee the president’s safety, Robert Bąkiewicz announced that his Border Defense Movement will begin guarding the Belvedere Palace starting tomorrow.
Security Concerns and Private Patrols
Robert Bąkiewicz, speaking on wPolsce24, claimed the State Protection Service (SOP) does not provide a sense of security to the president. He cited the January 2024 detention of PiS MPs Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsika at the Presidential Palace as evidence of the current risks facing the head of state.
Bąkiewicz announced that his group, the Border Defense Movement, will begin securing the Belvedere Palace, where Karol Nawrocki resides with his family. He argued that the political situation in Poland is volatile, justifying the need for non-state security measures to protect the president’s home.
Controversies and Financial Scrutiny
Bąkiewicz’s background includes a failed 2023 parliamentary bid and a contentious tenure as head of the Independence March Association. His successor, Bartosz Malewski, accused him of leaving the organization with significant debts and cleared accounts.
The National Freedom Institute has demanded the return of nearly 384,000 PLN from Bąkiewicz’s other organization, the Independence March Rota. Audits suggested funds were mismanaged, including payments made to a company Bąkiewicz himself managed, and cited a lack of proper accounting and project documentation.
Legal Battles
Robert Bąkiewicz is currently facing a court verdict, scheduled for May 29, regarding an incident from October 2020. He is accused by activist Angelika Domańska of pushing her down stairs during protests at the Holy Cross Church in Warsaw, an allegation he denies, maintaining that he was defending the church from protesters.
Intervention at Nawrocki Family Home
Security services forcibly entered the home of Karol Nawrocki’s mother in Gdańsk on Saturday following a false 112 emergency call regarding a fire and medical emergency. Officials found no fire or injured persons upon breaking down the door.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has convened an emergency meeting with ministers to address a string of false reports targeting journalists and public figures. He vowed to use all available methods to identify and stop those responsible for the sabotage.