The founder of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP), Jerzy Owsiak, has been the target of numerous threats, prompting police action and raising significant public discourse around issues of free speech and accountability. The WOŚP charity, which has been pivotal for over three decades, collects funds for medical equipment, sees both ardent support and staunch criticism.
Recently, OWŚP's popularity faced backlash when Izabela Majewska, a 66-year-old retiree, published particularly aggressive remarks directed at Owsiak on social media. Her comment incited immediate concern and led to her arrest. The specifics of her post, shared online on January 12, were alarming; she wrote, "Die man as soon as possible, enough robbing the naivety of Poles, your villas abroad, your villa in Poland, your children studying abroad, and your salary and your wife's — enough! Account for this and change your glasses, as those are worn by LGBT." This outburst caught the attention of law enforcement.
Following her comment, police arrested Majewska, though she denied any wrongdoing, claiming she had no ill intentions. Currently, she is under police supervision and required to report to the station three times per week.
The incident raised eyebrows, especially from former Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Gliński, who criticized the police actions as indicative of authoritarian tendencies. He labeled the situation as one where Owsiak was effectively commanding the police, stating, "The change from democracy to dictatorship also lies in the fact Mr. Owsiak conducts the Polish police, who break down the doors at 6 AM to arrest retirees." Gliński’s comments were aimed at spotlighting what he sees as the diminishing liberties under the current regime.
This scenario deconstructs the role of the media and the political climate surrounding WOŚP. The charity is not just about fundraising; it's become entangled with ideological fractures and political warfare. Prof. Igor Borkowski, who studies media impacts, underlined the potent effects media narratives have on its audience, stating, "We are dealing with heightened emotions which can induce actual aggression. And we know from recent history how media has this power."
At this time, Poland's National Prosecutor's Office is involved, handling several cases concerning threats against Owsiak, including calls for violent actions. This crackdown is seen as necessary due to the previously associated political narratives surrounding the charity, exacerbated by media figures like Tomasz Sakiewicz, head of TV Republika, who incited public backlash against OWŚP and urged support for his own media outlets instead.
OWŚP's history is marked by charitable success, making it one of the country's largest initiatives, generating significant funds—over 178 million złotych was raised during its recent 33rd finale. Yet, the organization has increasingly become the target of scorn, labeled by critics as politically motivated, and accused of lacking financial transparency.
The latest threats mark another troubling chapter for Owsiak, who has faced online bullying for years. This surge of threats follows the controversial political climate stirred by Sakiewicz’s boycott campaign promoting alleged anti-WOŚP sentiments. Sakiewicz’s actions prompted feverish public sentiment, feeding both support and fierce opposition to Owsiak.
Legal experts and public commentators remain divided on whether Majewska’s comments constituted real threats. Some, including attorney Łukasz Chojniak, noted, "The condition of being on social security doesn’t necessarily exonerate aggressive comments. But on the other hand, the line between harsh opinion and malignant threat can often blur, paving the way for serious legal repercussions." Contrasting opinions have sprung from public discourse, emphasizing the need to carefully address the nuances of free speech, particularly online.
Dr. hab. Szymon Tarapata, also involved in legal analysis, remarked about the broader implications of this case, declaring, "This entire situation from start to finish is absurd. There’s no illegal threat, nor incitement to crime. Equally, someone could be charged for commenting 'I hope this lawyer suffers' after reading about the case." This perspective highlights the difficulty of reconciling legal frameworks with public sentiment and social media dynamics.
While the case continues, it highlights how WOŚP, known for its massive charitable initiatives, inadvertently finds itself at the heart of political and social conflict within Poland. The intersections of loyalty, politics, and community response are becoming increasingly complex, likely prompting more discussions about free speech, accountability, and media responsibility within Poland's modern political narrative.