The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw has received the green light from the European Parliament to prosecute Grzegorz Braun, a far-right Member of the European Parliament (MEP), on a series of serious charges. On May 6, 2025, the European Parliament lifted Braun's immunity, paving the way for legal actions against him. The prosecutor's office plans to bring forward seven distinct charges, which include allegations of bodily harm, insults to a physician, and various acts of hooliganism.
Prosecutor General Adam Bodnar initiated the request to lift Braun's immunity back in October 2024, and the European Parliament's approval marks a significant step in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the controversial MEP. Among the charges, two are specifically related to violations of bodily integrity and insults directed at Dr. Łukasz Szumowski, the former Minister of Health and current director of the National Cardiology Centre.
In addition to these charges, three others relate to acts of hooliganism, while the remaining two concern Braun's conduct in the Polish Sejm, where he allegedly insulted an object of religious worship and violated the bodily integrity of another individual during an intervention. The incidents that led to these charges occurred over several months, with some dating back to December 2023.
One notable incident involved Braun extinguishing Hanukkah candles with a fire extinguisher during a ceremonial event at the Sejm, which sparked outrage and condemnation. This act was not an isolated event; Braun also obstructed a lecture at the German Historical Institute, where he was accused of damaging property and failing to leave when requested by the administration.
Furthermore, Braun has been implicated in other controversial actions, such as removing a Christmas tree adorned with political emblems from a court in Krakow and discarding it improperly. These actions have contributed to his growing notoriety and the legal scrutiny he now faces.
In a separate incident at the National Institute of Cardiology—State Research Institute, Braun allegedly entered the hospital unlawfully in 2022 with a group of individuals who were not wearing masks during the pandemic. They disrupted a management meeting and assaulted Dr. Szumowski, leading to further charges against him.
As of January 2025, Braun has been expelled from the Confederation party and is currently barred from participating in the European Parliament due to his remarks during a gender debate and his disruptive behavior during the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. His actions during these events have drawn widespread criticism and raised questions about his conduct as a public official.
The prosecutor's office is also investigating Braun's involvement in a controversial incident in Oleśnica, where he allegedly deprived a physician of her liberty. On April 16, 2025, Braun reportedly attempted to prevent gynaecologist Gizela Jagielska from performing an abortion on a patient who was in a serious mental state. He claimed to be executing a "citizen’s arrest," which effectively hindered the physician from providing necessary medical care.
In addition to these charges, the prosecutor's office is examining Braun's remarks during a presidential debate organized by the daily publication "Super Express" on April 28, 2025. These comments have been linked to accusations of anti-Semitism and incitement to hatred, further complicating his legal troubles.
Another investigation is underway concerning Braun's election meeting on April 30, 2025, in Biała Podlaska, during which he removed a Ukrainian flag that had been displayed in solidarity with Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. This act was seen as a significant provocation and has drawn additional scrutiny from both law enforcement and the public.
As the District Prosecutor's Office prepares to move forward with the charges, the implications of Braun's actions resonate beyond the courtroom. His conduct has sparked debates about the limits of political expression and the responsibilities of elected officials. Observers are keenly watching how this case unfolds, particularly as it touches on sensitive issues of national identity, religious respect, and the boundaries of free speech.
With Braun's legal battles set to commence, the discourse surrounding his actions is likely to intensify. The charges against him highlight a growing concern over the actions of far-right politicians in Europe and their impact on public discourse and societal values.
In a political climate where tensions are high, Braun's case serves as a focal point for discussions about accountability, the rule of law, and the responsibilities of those in positions of power. As the legal proceedings progress, the eyes of the nation—and indeed Europe—will be on the outcome.
