In a disturbing revelation, a recording has surfaced capturing members of Poland's ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), engaged in a crude conversation about prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek during a demonstration in front of a Warsaw prosecutor’s office. The recording, aired by TVP, shows the politicians making disparaging remarks and discussing a potential physical confrontation with Wrzosek following the controversial death of Barbara Skrzypek, a close aide to PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, who died just days after her questioning by Wrzosek in an investigation related to a property deal.
On March 20, 2025, reports revealed that Jacek Ozdoba, a MEP from PiS, was recorded saying, "I'll push her, no, come on, let her spie***" regarding Wrzosek. His comments were backed by fellow politicians Marek Suski and Jan Kanthak, who engaged in the crude banter about how to potentially confront Wrzosek, calling her a "shameless broad" and stating that she was "mental". The context of the remarks raises alarm, especially considering they took place during a tense demonstration on March 17, which was partly provoked by Skrzypek's passing.
Skrzypek, who had worked closely with Kaczyński, died on March 15, three days after being questioned by Wrzosek as part of the ongoing investigations into the 'two towers'. The unsettling timing of her death, coming after intense scrutiny from the prosecutor’s office, has led many, including PiS leaders, to suggest a connection between her questioning and her subsequent demise.
Wrzosek responded to Ozdoba's remarks directly on social media, asking whether he intended to physically harm her. Ozdoba later deflected responsibility, stating that his comments were misunderstood and were made in context of defending Kaczyński from potential provocation by Wrzosek. While he refused to apologize for his comments, he insisted that they were meant to highlight the protectiveness felt toward the PiS leader amid rising tensions.
On social media, Ozdoba elaborated on his statement, suggesting that Wrzosek's behavior was deliberately provocative and hinted that she aimed for a confrontation with the crowd gathered outside the prosecutor's office. This sentiment was echoed by other PiS members, such as Janusz Kowalski, who publicly disagreed with Ozdoba's approach, emphasizing the need for respect regardless of political disagreement.
In light of the controversy, the prosecutor's office has offered Wrzosek protection in response to a series of threats she has received in connection with her professional duties. Adam Bodnar, the Attorney General, backed this decision, acknowledging the dangers she faces as public discourse concerning her role in the investigation intensifies. Critics argue that the language used by Ozdoba and other PiS members exemplifies a broader trend of hostility and political violence that political leaders should actively condemn.
Following the incident, there was an outcry from opposition parties and civil society groups, demanding accountability from PiS for the toxic atmosphere they foster in Polish politics. Michal Wróblewski, a journalist with Wirtualna Polska, reported on the reactions from various quarters, noting that the lack of repercussions for Ozdoba's comments signals a troubling acceptance of aggressive rhetoric in Polish political discourse.
As more details on Skrzypek's death become available, the prosecutor's office is set to question Kaczyński as either a suspect or a witness in the ongoing investigation. This situation reveals the complexities and political implications of the case, as the political fallout continues to unfold.
The critique leveled at Ozdoba not only calls for a consideration of the words uttered in the heat of political discourse, but it echoes a demand for greater respect and decency within the public sphere. The ongoing developments in this story continue to shed light on the alarming intersection of politics and personal safety for public officials in Poland, particularly for women in the legal profession.
The shocking nature of these interactions among policymakers reflects a societal issue that goes beyond individual incidents, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of the political culture. Moving forward, the discourse surrounding how political figures engage with each other, and particularly with women in positions of authority, will matter significantly in shaping public trust and safety.
