On April 16, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded at the hospital in Oleśnica, Poland, when Grzegorz Braun, a member of the European Parliament and presidential candidate, attempted to perform a "citizen's arrest" of Dr. Gizela Jagielska, a gynecologist known for conducting legal abortions. This dramatic event has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from various political figures and organizations.
Dr. Jagielska was reportedly blocked in the hospital's administration department for over an hour by Braun and a group of unidentified individuals. She described the situation, stating, "I was in the administration room when Mr. Braun and his people barged in. They claimed they were making a citizen's arrest and demanded my arrest. They stood there calling me a murderer. I was trapped for over 50 minutes while patients were waiting for me in the delivery room. It's madness." This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of medical professionals and the rights of patients in Poland.
The police were called to the scene as Braun and his group disrupted the hospital's operations. Dr. Jagielska shared her experience on social media, expressing her distress and highlighting that her ability to care for patients was severely hindered. She stated, "I was pushed and yanked. This is shocking that such things happen. This is a circus campaign for the presidency." Braun, however, insisted that he was fulfilling his duties for the Republic and called for police intervention to prevent Dr. Jagielska from having contact with patients, particularly minors.
The incident is tied to a broader controversy surrounding an abortion that Dr. Jagielska performed on a patient named Anita, who was in the 37th week of pregnancy. The abortion was conducted due to severe health risks to the mother and child, and it has since drawn the attention of the prosecutor's office, which has initiated proceedings regarding the legality of the procedure. According to reports from Gazeta Wyborcza, the prosecutor's office began its investigation based on media reports.
Political reactions to Braun's actions have been swift and severe. Many politicians have condemned the incident as an act of political violence. Adrian Zandberg, a candidate for the presidency from the Razem Party, stated, "There is no consent for political violence! A mandate as an MEP does not give anyone the right to intimidate and act aggressively." Magdalena Biejat, another presidential candidate from the Left, described Braun's actions as pure violence, asserting that the Left will do everything to protect patients, their families, and medical staff from right-wing extremists.
Bartosz Arłukowicz, a Member of the European Parliament, commented on the absurdity of Braun's actions, saying, "We understand we are in a campaign where Grzegorz Braun is attempting to make a citizen's arrest of a gynecologist. Fortunately, I am a pediatrician. He is not concerned about those who are already born." Other politicians, such as Aleksandra Kot, criticized Braun for crossing boundaries, stating that attacking a doctor performing her duties and paralyzing a hospital's operations should never happen and must be punished.
Minister for Equality, Katarzyna Kotula, defended Dr. Jagielska, emphasizing her compliance with the law when performing the abortion, which has been supported by various legal experts. She expressed hope that appropriate authorities would stop Braun's disgraceful attack, which attempts to intimidate hospital staff and patients.
Further escalating the situation, Braun's actions have been described as an attack by Jolanta Niezgodzka, who stated, "This was an attack. Holding a doctor against her will while she is working in a maternity ward is not only illegal but a brutal violation of all boundaries. Braun and his radical group entered the hospital like thugs, endangering the safety of patients and staff. This is not a 'citizen intervention,' but a real threat to the health and lives of both hospitalized individuals and those caring for them. Doctors must be protected, not intimidated."
Tomasz Trela labeled Braun as an "unpredictable madman," asserting that being an MP does not grant one the right to terrorize people. He called for legal action against Braun for his behavior.
As the incident continues to unfold, the police have confirmed that they are investigating the actions of Braun and his group. They reported that a group of unauthorized individuals disrupted the operations of the medical facility and that the hospital's deputy director has filed a report indicating the possibility of crimes, including violations of bodily integrity, insult, deprivation of liberty, and exposure to direct danger of loss of life or serious injury.
In a statement, the police emphasized that their priority is to ensure the safety of both patients and medical staff. The police also mentioned that they had taken steps to secure the hospital area to prevent further disturbances. A picket is planned for later today outside the Oleśnica hospital, indicating that the public's response to this incident is far from over.
Minister Tomasz Siemoniak has also weighed in, stating, "Anyone who threatens doctors and disrupts the work of the hospital will face severe consequences for their actions. Healthcare workers deserve respect and support. The police will rigorously enforce the law in such cases."
The incident at the Oleśnica hospital highlights the growing tensions surrounding abortion rights in Poland and raises critical questions about the safety of healthcare providers in the face of political activism. As the investigation continues, the implications of this event are likely to resonate within the ongoing national conversation about reproductive rights and the treatment of medical professionals.
