Łódź-Górna District Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation on January 15 over public insults to Karol Nawrocki by Ukrainian journalist Vitalii Mazurenko.
Prosecutor’s Office Initiates Investigation Against Ukrainian Journalist
On January 15, the Łódź-Górna District Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the public insult of Karol Nawrocki.
Paweł Kryszczak from the Border Defense Movement filed the complaint, stating that Mazurenko, a foreign citizen, made comments that were a clear insult to the head of the Polish state. “There will be no tolerance for slandering Poland,” he added.
Prok. Katarzyna Malarska-Szadkowska confirmed the information in an interview with Polsat News.
Mazurenko’s Comments on Polish President. “Pachan Behavior”
In August of last year, Vitalii Mazurenko, a Ukrainian journalist and Polish citizen for several years, commented on Polsat News about the president’s veto of a bill on aid to Ukrainians.
He stated: “The rhetoric and behavior of Mr. Nawrocki are not presidential but ‘pachan’—a term used in Russian prisons to describe criminal leaders.”
The Presidential Palace reacted sharply. Head of the Chancellery Bogucki wrote: “This Ukrainian’s behavior confirms the president’s initiative to extend the required residency period to 10 years before applying for Polish citizenship.”
Ukrainian Journalist Apologizes. But “Doesn’t Feel Remorse”
Following the comments, Mazurenko was dismissed as editor-in-chief of “International Observer.” He issued an apology, stating: “As a Polish citizen, I hold state institutions, including the President of Poland, in full respect.”
However, in an interview with Onet, he clarified: “If you listen carefully to what I said, I was talking about Karol Nawrocki’s behavior, as evidenced by the Cabinet Council meeting.”
He added: “I don’t feel remorse. I am an adult, and this online hate wave is a minor thing for someone who knows what dignity is.”