On 2 October, a lawsuit was filed against Lublin governor Krzysztof Komorski by PiS assembly member Tytus Czartoryski and former director Elżbieta Puacz, alleging authority overreach and religious insult.
Cross Removal Incident
In 2023, Governor Komorski requested the removal of a cross from the main hall of the Lublin voivodeship office and the installation of European Union flags. He said the change aimed to maintain worldview neutrality, as the hall hosts representatives of various cultures and religions, and noted the cross had been moved to another room.
Lawsuit Initiated
On 2 October 2024, a formal complaint was filed against Komorski by Tytus Czartoryski, a PiS member of the Lower Silesian regional assembly, and by former director Elżbieta Puacz of the Regional Centre for Bloodborne Diseases and Blood Therapy in Lublin. They accuse him of exceeding his powers and insulting religious sentiment.
Accusations of Authority Overreach
Czartoryski and Puacz claim Komorski acted beyond his mandate, citing the absence of any official documents regulating the presence of crosses in the office. They argue that the decision to display religious symbols lies with the staff, not the governor.
Governor’s Defense
Governor Komorski explained that the cross had been moved to another room and that he intended to maintain neutrality. He also stated there was no official procedure governing cross placement, and that only staff could decide on hanging crosses.
Key Testimonies
During the hearing, Puacz emphasized the cross’s symbolic value for Poles during difficult times, describing it as deeply rooted in Polish history and lamenting the personal pain caused by its removal.
