12-Year Prison Sentence for Racist Stabbing in Częstochowa

A 12-year prison sentence has been handed down to Patryk R. for the attempted murder of a Zimbabwean national and a string of racially motivated attacks against foreigners in Częstochowa last July.

The Assault in Częstochowa

On July 26 of last year, two Zimbabwean nationals were aggressively expelled from a bar on Aleja Najświętszej Maryi Panny by two men. Outside the establishment, Patryk R. and Paweł T. began pushing the foreigners, with Patryk R. stabbing one victim in the chest before being stopped by his associate.

The victim was rushed to the hospital, where emergency surgery proved life-saving. Police arrested Patryk R. as he attempted to flee, discovering a knife in his possession, while Paweł T. was detained several days later.

Systematic Violence Against Foreigners

Investigators discovered that on the same night, the perpetrators also attacked two Italian volunteers working for a homelessness charity. The assault, which involved two additional suspects, resulted in severe injuries, including a broken jaw and orbital bone fractures, leading to concerns from the Italian embassy.

Patryk R. faces charges of attempted murder with racist motives and assault fueled by xenophobia. He refused to testify and has been held in custody, while Paweł T. was placed under police supervision.

Sentencing and Prior Criminal History

Patryk R., a known supporter of the Raków football club’s extremist faction, has a lengthy criminal record including illegal possession of firearms and prior violence against Bangladeshi nationals. The court issued a cumulative sentence of 12 years for the combined assaults, alongside mandatory compensation payments for all victims.

Paweł T. received a one-year suspended sentence, along with fines and mandatory compensation for the victims. The court emphasized the xenophobic nature of the offenses in its final ruling.