Journalist Leszek Kraskowski Granted Conditional Release from Detention

Journalist Leszek Kraskowski may be released from detention upon paying a 25,000 PLN bail, subject to police supervision, travel restrictions, and a stay-away order from the victim.

Conditions for Release

Radio ZET reporter Mariusz Gierszewski reported on Friday, July 3, that journalist Leszek Kraskowski can leave detention if he pays a 25,000 PLN bail. The conditions include a travel ban, mandatory police supervision, a ban on contacting witnesses, and a 100-meter proximity restriction regarding the victim.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Kraskowski, a former investigative journalist for outlets like Rzeczpospolita and Super Express, is suspected of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and threatening the Piaseczno police chief. He was initially arrested for three months following the discovery of weapons in his vehicle.

Prosecutor Piotr Antoni Skiba stated that while the need for continued isolation has diminished, the underlying grounds for precautionary measures remain. Kraskowski must pay the bail into the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s account by July 17 to secure his release, which would be accompanied by bi-weekly reporting to a police station and passport seizure.

Evidence and Threat Assessment

Investigators note that while physical and psychological abuse charges are substantiated by evidence, it cannot be definitively proven that Kraskowski sent the threat emails to the police chief. Digital analysis of devices belonging to the journalist’s wife and partner has not yet linked them to the messages.

Psychiatric Evaluation and Abuse Allegations

A court-ordered psychiatric evaluation has been performed, though forensic analysis and further digital information are still pending. Additionally, a previously suspended case regarding the abuse of family members has been reopened, as prosecutors fear the suspect could influence witnesses and destabilize the legal process.