Nawrocki Pardons “Staruch,” Sparks Clash with Minister Żurek Over Hooligan Appeals

President Nawrocki pardons Piotr Staruchowicz, triggering sharp criticism from Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek, who denounces the move as a political wink to football hooligans.

The Verdict and Presidential Pardon

Piotr Staruchowicz, known as “Staruch,” was penalized by a court with a two-year ban from mass events, commonly known as a stadium ban, after standing in a restricted area on the stadium fence during a March 2025 match between Motor Lublin and Legia Warszawa.

Nawrocki’s spokesperson asserted that the matter was evident, stating that the president is not required to explain why he exercises the right of pardon because he reviews case documentation for each instance. Leśkiewicz added that it is difficult to fault the president for making decisions based on Polish constitutional provisions, emphasizing that he has the right to do so and telling the governing authorities to keep their hands off the president’s prerogatives.

Channel Zero Conversation and Prior Statements

In December of last year during a conversation with Nawrocki on Kanał Zero, Staruchowicz called into the studio to present his situation and asked whether Santa Claus would bring him a pardon this year. The president stated at the time that pardon applications would be addressed at the beginning of the year, but assessed that it sounds strange when a fan responsible for cheering cannot enter the capo stand.

Minister Żurek’s Response to Presidential Remarks

On Tuesday evening, August 4, TVP Info journalist Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf asked Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek about the statements made by Nawrocki’s spokesperson. The politician replied that the level of the statements is astonishing, noting that from time to time the presidential chancellery produces statements that do not match the dignity of the head of state and may only appeal to those whom the president pardons, referring to Staruchowicz. He added that such pardons, which aim to wink at the hooligan environment or serve purely political motives, are disturbing.

Inquiries Regarding “Wielki Bu”

The interviewer also raised the case of Patryk M., known as “Wielki Bu,” against whom the National Prosecutor’s Office filed an indictment with the Gdańsk Regional Court containing a total of seven charges. Wysocka-Schnepf questioned whether, after extraditing him from abroad to face serious charges, the president would once again tell authorities to keep their hands off when a court verdict is eventually reached.

Minister Żurek admitted that this outcome is possible, stating that while the president can pardon whoever he wants, it sends a signal that individuals are backing the president and he will back them in return, which he argued is not the true purpose of a pardon.