The Siedlce District Prosecutor’s Office finished a multi‑month review of Polish‑Belarusian border guard actions, dismissing most cases while directing two disputed incidents and an indictment to court.
Conclusion of Investigation
The Siedlce District Prosecutor’s Office concluded a broad inquiry into border guard actions on the Polish‑Belarusian frontier. Most examined threads were dismissed. In two instances, border guard officers exceeded their authority; three conditional dismissal requests were filed, and one indictment was forwarded to court.
Scope of the Inquiry
The investigation began on 15 May 2024 and covered dozens of threads concerning actions taken by officials toward foreigners on Polish territory near the Belarus border. According to District Prosecutor Krystyna Gołąbek, prosecutors assembled evidence to assess whether officers acted within their legal duties or overstepped their powers.
Timeframe and Locations
The incidents examined spanned from September 2021 to March 2024, including the areas of Bobrowniki and Białowieża. Gołąbek stated that by 27 October 2025, prosecutors had completed the legal assessment of every event within that period on the Polish‑Belarusian border.
Dismissals in 34 Cases
In 34 events, decisions were made to dismiss proceedings after full evidence showed that officers’ actions did not constitute a crime and fell within their legal competence.
No Evidence of Search Failures or Illegal Push‑Backs
Investigators found no data indicating that border police, security forces or other officials failed to act on search attempts or unlawfully applied push‑back procedures against persons seeking international protection or who were at risk of loss of life or health.
Evidence Limitations
Key difficulties arose from the passage of time, the complex border‑zone incidents and limited access to witnesses, many of whom could not corroborate their testimony with objective material or service documents. Consequently, cases were dismissed due to insufficient evidence of a crime.
Two Over‑reach Cases Confirmed
Investigators confirmed only two incidents where border guard officers exceeded their authority, which was reflected in the handling of those threads.
Court Submissions
Prosecutors filed three conditional dismissal requests against border guard officers accused of over‑reach, unlawful use of force and violation of detainees’ bodily integrity. An indictment also reached court against a border guard officer charged with confiscating property belonging to an unidentified foreigner.