An appeals court case concluded Wednesday regarding former Polish Prime Minister Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, initially acquitted of hitting a cyclist.
Former Prime Minister’s Appeal Process Concludes
The appeal process concerning former Prime Minister Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz concluded Wednesday at the District Court in Białystok. He was previously acquitted in the first instance of charges related to hitting a cyclist at a pedestrian crossing.
The prosecution filed the appeal, seeking to overturn the initial verdict and have the case returned for re-examination in the first instance, including the dismissal of the charge related to leaving the scene of the accident.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on May 4, 2019, at a marked pedestrian crossing in Hajnówka, Podlaskie. The indictment stated that Cimoszewicz struck a 70-year-old cyclist, resulting in a fractured shinbone, facial abrasions, and hand injuries.
Prosecution’s Claims
Prosecutors alleged that Cimoszewicz negligently violated traffic safety regulations, failed to observe the road carefully, and did not exercise due caution. They claimed he braked too late, causing the collision, and subsequently left the scene of the accident.
Cimoszewicz’s Defense
Cimoszewicz denied responsibility for the accident, stating he was traveling at the speed limit and the cyclist entered the crossing unexpectedly. He also maintained he did not flee the scene but transported the injured cyclist home at her request, after which she decided to go to the hospital.
Initial Court Ruling
The court in Hajnówka found insufficient evidence to prove Cimoszewicz’s guilt in causing the accident, stating that doubts remained unresolved. It considered the actions taken after the incident as a misdemeanor, but dismissed the charge due to the statute of limitations.
