Warsaw court dismisses the case of the writer Jakub Żulczyk accused of insulting President Andrzej Duda

The District Court in Warsaw dismissed the case of the writer Jakub Żulczyk, accused of insulting President Andrzej Duda. It is about an entry posted on social media in November 2020, in which – in the context of the US presidential election – Żulczyk called the president a "moron".

The investigation started after notification by a private individual. The indictment was submitted to the Warsaw District Court at the end of March last year. The writer was charged with an offense under Art. 135 par. 2 of the Criminal Code, for which imprisonment is provided for up to 3 years.

The trial started in November and ended after two hearings. Żulczyk did not admit to the accusation made against him, explaining that the entry was to be an expression of criticism and concern about the actions of President Andrzej Duda – in his opinion, they jeopardized "Poland's international reputation". The writer's defense requested an acquittal. The prosecution demanded a five-month restriction of freedom in the form of community service and a public apology on Facebook.

(PAP)