Defender of Ukrainian Teenager Brutally Beaten in Poznań: Two Polish Men Arrested

A 67-year-old man was brutally beaten in Poznań after intervening to protect a teenage Ukrainian boy from verbal abuse, prompting police to arrest two suspects.

The Incident at Kurpińskiego Tram Stop

The incident occurred on Friday, July 17, at around 1:00 PM. A 67-year-old man and two men who had verbally attacked a Ukrainian citizen disembarked from a tram at the “Kurpińskiego” stop. Police established that a scuffle broke out between the 67-year-old and one of the aggressors.

According to a police statement, the older man first pushed the aggressor and was then struck several times with fists and a knee to the face. A female witness intervened during the incident, trying to separate the participants. Despite her reaction, the men continued to attack each other, and the second aggressor joined in, also attempting to attack the 67-year-old.

Filing a Report and Police Arrests

When the police arrived at the scene, neither the victim nor the perpetrators were present. The following day, the 67-year-old reported to the police station and filed a crime report, stating that the perpetrators’ aggression was directed at a teenage boy from Ukraine who had been verbally harassed earlier.

Police arrested two Polish men aged 38 and 41 in connection with the case. Both were transported to police detention and will be brought before the prosecutor’s office. Investigators are set to charge them with assault characterized as hooliganism and national-origin insult. The 38-year-old has a prior criminal and drug-related record.

Search for the Ukrainian Passenger and Police Appeal

Authorities are still trying to establish the identity of the verbally assaulted Ukrainian passenger. “Police appeal to this man, as well as to all witnesses of the incident who have information that can help clarify the matter, to contact the Poznań-Północ Police Station,” officers stated.

“We appeal to report any situation in which we are victims of a crime or witnesses of aggression to the Police immediately after the incident. Quick reaction and immediate notification of the services significantly increase the chances of arresting the perpetrators and securing key evidence. Publishing information exclusively on social media does not replace notifying the Police and may hinder the effective actions of officers. Every minute matters,” the statement reads.