Polish prosecutors have indicted eight officers from the former Bureau of Protection of the Government (BOR) for allegedly providing false testimony regarding a 2017 car crash involving then-Prime Minister Beata Szydło.
2017 Collision in Oświęcim
The incident occurred on February 10, 2017, in Oświęcim, when a government motorcade carrying then-Prime Minister Beata Szydło collided with a Fiat Seicento. Both the Prime Minister and BOR officers sustained injuries. The driver of the Fiat was initially accused by prosecutors.
“Wyborcza” Allegations of False Testimony
In 2021, the “Wyborcza” newspaper reported that BOR officers had assisted in fabricating false statements. An informant stated that individuals were attempting to suppress the truth from the public.
Dispute Over Emergency Signals
A key point of contention was whether the government vehicles had activated their lights and sirens, which would have granted them priority status. BOR officers initially testified that they were activated, placing blame on the Fiat driver. However, a source for “Wyborcza” claimed the sirens were not engaged and explained the practices used by the security services at the time.
Charges Filed and Suspensions
The Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Białystok has charged eight BOR officers with providing false testimony and concealing the truth. Four of the officers now work for the State Protection Service (formerly BOR) and have been suspended following the charges.
Retired Officers and Witness Also Charged
The remaining officers are retired, with one currently employed by the municipal guard, and his supervisor has been informed of the charges. Additionally, a witness who provided a statement in the original investigation has also been charged.
Previous Investigation Criticized
A report by a team of prosecutors appointed by the National Prosecutor’s Office found that the initial investigation appeared to be focused on proving the pre-determined theory that the driver of the Fiat Seicento, Sebastian K., was solely responsible for the accident.