Ombudsman Candidates Clash Over Widespread Pre-trial Detention Practices

During a public hearing in the Sejm, Commissioner for Human Rights candidates Sylwia Gregorczyk-Abram and Adam Borowski debated the alarming rise of pre-trial detention and the judicial system’s reliance on incarceration.

Rising Trends in Pre-trial Detention

Sylwia Gregorczyk-Abram, candidate for the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted that the number of individuals held in pre-trial detention has increased steadily since 2016. As of January 2026, 7,804 people were held in investigative custody, with judges approving 90 percent of prosecutorial requests for detention.

Gregorczyk-Abram described this as a critical issue for the Ombudsman to address, noting that while previous legislative attempts to reform detention were vetoed, the Ombudsman could serve as a vital partner in drafting future regulations.

Accusations of Judicial Misuse

Adam Borowski, the candidate supported by PiS, argued that courts and prosecutors frequently misuse pre-trial detention. He suggested that such measures are often employed to break individuals rather than serve justice, labeling it an unnecessary practice in many cases.

While acknowledging that pre-trial detention remains a necessary tool for serious crimes like rape or murder, Borowski expressed firm opposition to its imposition in situations where it is not strictly essential.