Polish police raided the apartment of TV Republika editor-in-chief Tomasz Sakiewicz on May 15 following a false report regarding a child threatening suicide and wearing an explosive device.
The police intervention
The intervention at the Warsaw apartment of TV Republika editor-in-chief Tomasz Sakiewicz took place on Friday, May 15. Authorities were responding to a report about a child inside the premises threatening suicide.
The Warsaw Metropolitan Police stated that a child had messaged the Children’s Ombudsman’s trust chat, claiming they were in the process of committing suicide by opening a gas cylinder. The message also included the threat: “I am at Wiktorska… I am committing suicide, I am wearing a suicide vest, I will blow up everything.”
A pattern of false alarms
According to the newspaper Rzeczpospolita, reports concerning journalists or locations linked to TV Republika have followed a recurring pattern. The messages consistently feature a story about a young boy threatening to commit suicide by opening a gas valve.
In the specific case of the intervention at Sakiewicz’s home, the email allegedly contained a voice file featuring the sound of a child.
Sakiewicz challenges police conduct
Sakiewicz claims the officers who entered his apartment failed to wear mandatory name and badge identification. He recounted being caught in his bathroom while his assistant was physically restrained by an officer who shouted that the child was not present.
The editor-in-chief described the officers’ behavior as irrational, remarking that even during the Communist-era Security Service (SB) period, officers were required to identify themselves upon request.
Official police response
The police stated that the assistant present in the apartment refused to identify herself or cooperate with officers. She was handcuffed for the duration of the situation to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
Following verification, authorities concluded that the report was false and intended to deceive emergency services. No one was detained, and the intervention was concluded after necessary checks were completed.
Support services
If you are experiencing difficulties or thinking about taking your own life, or if you want to help someone at risk of suicide, remember that you can use free helplines: Crisis Support Center for adults: 800-70-2222, Children and Youth Helpline: 116 111, Emotional Support Line for adults: 116 123.
