Prosecutor’s Unexpected Move in Shrek Caricature Case Against PSL Councilman

Following a local politician’s Facebook post comparing President Karol Nawrocki’s wife to an ogre, the prosecution has surprisingly requested the court to return the case files.

Controversial Facebook Graphic

The case was brought to light last month by “Gazeta Radomszczańska”. Shortly after Karol Nawrocki’s inauguration, PSL councilman from Radomsko County Wojciech Ślusarczyk published a graphic on Facebook featuring First Lady Marta Nawrocka in queen attire, accompanied by the caption “And where is Shrek?”.

This was a reference to the famous animated film series featuring an ogre named Shrek, whose main character marries Princess Fiona, who is also an ogre in reality.

Investigation and Defense Arguments

The graphic was reported to the prosecutor’s office by a local entrepreneur linked to the OdNowa association of PiS MP Marcin Ociepa. The activist claimed the president and first lady may have been insulted, prompting the prosecutor’s office to launch an investigation and appoint an expert to evaluate the word “Shrek”.

“It is sarcasm, but not toward the presidential couple,” Wojciech Ślusarczyk commented weeks earlier, while his defense attorney Michał Spólnicki explained that the modified image was originally shared by Karol Nawrocki’s own supporters praising the couple’s attractiveness.

Indictment and Sudden Prosecution Reversal

In late June, the prosecutor’s office filed an indictment against the activist with the Piotrków Trybunalski District Court, classifying the graphic as deprecating the office of the President of the Republic of Poland and his spouse, an offense carrying up to three years in imprisonment.

However, a breakthrough occurred when the Radomsko District Prosecutor’s Office requested the court to return the case files just over two weeks after the indictment was filed, with the motion set to be reviewed at a hearing on Thursday, August 13.

Refusal to Disclose Further Details

On Wednesday morning, inquiries were sent to the Piotrków Trybunalski District Prosecutor’s Office requesting explanations regarding the decision to request the return of the case files and any future investigative steps.

On Friday afternoon, prosecutors stated they are not disclosing details or circumstances of this decision at this stage and declined to answer whether they plan to supplement the evidence or potentially discontinue the proceedings.