Poland’s state treasury is suing former judge Maciej Nawacki for approximately €23,000 due to costs incurred by the Olsztyn court under his leadership.
Former President Faces Regress Claim
Judge Maciej Nawacki, a member of the neo-KRS, formerly presided over the Regional Court in Olsztyn. The state treasury, acting on behalf of the current president of the Olsztyn Regional Court, Krzysztof Krygielski, has filed a regress claim against Nawacki.
Krygielski is seeking approximately 100,000 złoty (roughly €23,000) from Nawacki to cover costs the Olsztyn court incurred due to decisions made by the former president during the PiS era.
Disregard of Court Orders Led to Costs
The claim stems from Nawacki’s failure to enforce rulings by Polish courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union, which mandated the reinstatement of Judge Paweł Juszczyszyn, who had been unlawfully suspended by the Disciplinary Chamber. After Juszczyszyn’s reinstatement after two years, Nawacki transferred him to a different department and placed him on mandatory leave—actions also deemed illegal.
Citizen Funds Used to Cover Damages
Juszczyszyn successfully sued the court, his employer, over these actions, winning back pay, compensation for mobbing, and reimbursement of legal costs with interest. These funds were paid from the Olsztyn Regional Court’s budget, ultimately sourced from taxpayer money.
“Deliberate and Malicious” Conduct Cited
According to Krygielski, Nawacki “persistently and maliciously failed to execute the rulings.” He stated that financial discipline requires seeking regress, emphasizing that Nawacki disregarded the law and should be held accountable for his actions towards Juszczyszyn, and he will not concede in this matter.
Krygielski added that Nawacki, as a judge and court president, should have adhered to the rulings of the Supreme Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union, which recognized the invalidity of the Disciplinary Chamber.
Public Tearing of Resolutions
Nawacki also gained notoriety for publicly tearing up a resolution submitted by 31 judges of the Olsztyn court in February 2020. He was presenting the court’s annual report when the judges rejected it and proposed a vote on three resolutions, including one to reinstate Juszczyszyn. Nawacki then tore up the resolutions and ended the meeting.
Criminal Complaint and Immunity Dispute
Following the February 2020 incident, judges from the Regional and District Courts in Olsztyn filed a criminal complaint alleging destruction of documents and abuse of power. After multiple dismissals and reinstatements, the Criminal Responsibility Chamber of the Supreme Court refused to lift Nawacki’s immunity on February 25, 2026. The prosecution announced an appeal.