Second hearing in libel case between textbook author and education minister concluded, with judgment postponed to March 6, 2026.
Case Background
On Friday, the second hearing took place at the District Court in Warsaw in the case filed by Prof. Wojciech Roszkowski, author of the “History and Present” textbook, against Education Minister Barbara Nowacka. The lawsuit concerns the violation of Roszkowski’s personal rights in Nowacka’s statement from the Civic Coalition convention on October 12, 2024.
Roszkowski sued Nowacka for spreading the falsehood that every page of his textbook contained lies, demanding an apology and damages of 1,000 złoty for each page – totaling 512,000 złoty.
Witness Testimony
Prof. Andrzej Nowak testified as a witness, stating he was not a reviewer of the book nor participated in assessing the publisher. However, he emphasized that in his opinion, everything contained in the textbook was true.
During the hearing, statements from both parties were also heard.
Prof. Roszkowski’s Position
Prof. Roszkowski emphasized that it was unfair in the minister’s statement that he was accused of lies on every page of the textbook. He noted that the minister’s statement on such a scale was a significant blow to his reputation, though critical voices against his person had already appeared after the textbook’s publication.
Asked about the textbook’s content, he emphasized that every textbook contains facts subject to evaluation. He admitted being in favor of textbooks containing assessments formulated based on facts, and explained he omitted footnotes in some places to maintain readability.
He also stated that the amount of over half a million zloty he demanded is not essential in this case, as it’s about holding public officials accountable for harsh words.
Minister Nowacka’s Explanations
Education Minister Barbara Nowacka emphasized that her words were spoken during a political convention where KO summarized the first year of government, noting she was referring to politicians of Law and Justice (PiS), not specifically to Prof. Roszkowski.
When questioned by Roszkowski’s attorney about whether every page contained false content as implied by her statement, Nowacka emphasized her words should not be interpreted literally. She added that questions about specific pages wouldn’t change her view that the entire book is ideologized and unsuitable as a textbook, repeatedly stating it contains anti-German, anti-leftist content attacking human rights, women’s rights, and personal freedoms.
Final Statements
Both parties delivered final statements. Roszkowski’s attorney, Artur Wdowczyk, noted the other side did not conduct evidentiary proceedings or present counter-evidence, arguing Nowacka should have identified specific false statements in the textbook.
Nowacka’s attorney, Katarzyna Lejman, categorized the minister’s statement as a critical opinion based on facts, protected by freedom of speech. She argued the accusation of violating personal rights is unfounded as the statement referred to PiS politicians and education reform, not Roszkowski personally.
The second minister’s attorney, Maciej Ślusarek, noted that Roszkowski’s admission about omitting footnotes for his interpretations justifies the minister’s statement, which opposed a historical policy of selective fact presentation to promote specific narratives.
