Indictment Filed Against Macierewicz After Calling SKW Leadership “Russian Agents”

Warsaw prosecutors filed an indictment on Thursday against PiS MP Antoni Macierewicz for insulting and defaming the leadership of the Military Counterintelligence Service.

Indictment Filed Against PiS MP

On Thursday, July 23, the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw filed an indictment against Law and Justice (PiS) MP Antoni Macierewicz, as announced by prosecutor Mateusz Martyniuk.

Parliamentary Speech on Russian Drones

Antoni Macierewicz’s statements were made in the Sejm on September 11 of last year during a debate concerning the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. The incident followed the nighttime intrusion of approximately 20 unmanned aerial vehicles into Polish airspace between September 9 and 10, with debris subsequently discovered across five voivodeships.

Accusations Against SKW Leadership

During the parliamentary debate, Macierewicz stated that the incident was the beginning of a war and claimed the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) leadership consisted of Russian agents appointed by Donald Tusk in 2011. His speech was cut short due to an uproar in the chamber, as noted in the Sejm transcript.

Legal Action and Charges

The SKW leadership filed a formal notification with the prosecutor’s office. Macierewicz has been charged with insulting public officials—SKW chief Gen. Jarosław Stróżyk and his deputies, Col. Krzysztof Dusza and Col. Artur Pluto—by calling them Russian agents.

Defamation and Potential Penalties

Prosecutors also accuse Macierewicz of defaming the SKW leadership by alleging cooperation with Russian special services, potentially lowering public trust and harming their professional standing. The offenses carry a penalty of a fine, restriction of liberty, or imprisonment for up to one year.

Immunity Waiver and Macierewicz’s Defense

In late April, the Sejm voted to waive Macierewicz’s parliamentary immunity. During the parliamentary rules committee proceedings, Macierewicz expressed surprise at the prosecution’s actions, arguing his statement did not name specific individuals and that the charges are irresponsible and politically motivated.