The European Parliament voted Thursday to lift the immunity of Polish Member of the European Parliament Grzegorz Braun, opening him to criminal prosecution.
Holocaust Denial and Controversial Incidents
The European Parliament has lifted the immunity of Grzegorz Braun, paving the way for criminal charges against the MEP. The decision stems from his controversial statements and actions, including questioning the Holocaust and damaging public property.
This is not the first time Braun has lost his parliamentary immunity, with this decision representing the third and fourth instances of such a measure against him.
Parliament Approves Immunity Waiver
During a session in Brussels, the European Parliament voted in favor of lifting Braun’s immunity, following recommendations from the Polish prosecutor’s office. The decision was based on two requests submitted by Polish prosecutors.
The move followed a positive assessment by the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee (JURI), which deemed the requests justified. Lifting immunity allows Polish authorities to pursue criminal proceedings against Braun.
Charges Related to Holocaust Denial
One of the key issues concerns Braun’s statements from July 2025, where he questioned the existence of gas chambers at the Auschwitz concentration camp, considered a denial of the Holocaust.
Polish law, like many European countries, criminalizes public denial of Nazi crimes. The prosecution’s actions align with the obligation to prosecute such offenses.
Braun’s remarks were met with strong condemnation from state institutions, social organizations, and academic circles specializing in Holocaust history, emphasizing the violation of historical facts and the memory of victims.
Destruction of Symbols and Public Displays
The Parliament’s decision also addresses incidents involving the destruction of symbols and public installations. Prosecutors are investigating the destruction of Ukrainian and European Union flags, as well as previous actions by Braun in the Polish Sejm.
A significant event occurred in June 2025, when Braun destroyed an exhibition dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights within the parliament building. A notification was filed with the prosecutor’s office by Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula.
This incident was widely seen as an escalation of political and ideological tensions, with experts noting that interfering with a legally organized exhibition could violate property and public order regulations.
