The District Court for Warsaw-Śródmieście has sentenced nationalist activist Robert Bąkiewicz to 10 months of community service for physically assaulting activist Angelika Domańska during a 2020 protest at Warsaw’s Holy Cross Church.
The Court’s Verdict
On Friday, May 29, the District Court for Warsaw-Śródmieście found Robert Bąkiewicz guilty of assaulting Angelika Domańska. The court sentenced him to 10 months of community service and ordered him to pay 5,000 PLN in compensation to the victim.
The incident occurred when the National Guard, led by Bąkiewicz, attempted to disrupt a protest at the Holy Cross Church. According to Domańska, Bąkiewicz pushed her down the stairs, causing her to fall and lose consciousness.
Competing Demonstrations at the Courthouse
Supporters of Bąkiewicz gathered outside the courtroom wearing reflective vests marked with the logos of the Border Defense Movement and the Gazeta Polska Club. The group displayed banners expressing solidarity with Bąkiewicz and recited prayers during the hearing.
A separate group of individuals also assembled outside the building to show their support for Angelika Domańska as the proceedings took place.
Legal Arguments and Prosecution
The case stemmed from nationwide protests following a Constitutional Tribunal ruling that restricted abortion access. Defense attorneys argued for an acquittal, claiming insufficient evidence and asserting that the protests themselves were illegal due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The victim’s lawyer, Agata Bzdyń, had requested a two-year prison sentence and 20,000 PLN in compensation. She emphasized that the physical handling and forced removal of her client constituted clear statutory criminal offenses.