Bartosz Lewandowski, working with the Ordo Iuris Institute, spoke about two farmers who were detained by the police and challenged the way the situation was handled. He also disputed the police version that described clashes with “drunk hooligans.”
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Lewandowski and his team represented two farmers who faced harsh treatment from authorities.
Two individuals tied to the Ordo Iuris Institute faced charges of “participating in a meeting” allegedly intended to commit crimes against police officers. Lewandowski described the approach as a relic from an earlier era that can be applied whenever a crowd confronts police. One of the accused was a 65-year-old farmer in poor health. Police claimed he used his feet to strike officers with eggs, a charge Lewandowski contested, saying the man did not throw stones but rather an egg which, he argued, compromised his physical safety and demonstrated disrespect for the law.
– quoted Bartosz Lewandowski on Polish television.
The second case was even more puzzling, involving a 22-year-old man accused of taking part in a demonstration where he merely moved with the crowd. In other words, he did nothing beyond being surrounded by protesters. Complaints are in preparation, and Lewandowski noted that the defense is rekindling memories of defending people during the Independence March held before 2015.
– the lawyer recalled.
The police faced a major challenge with fingerprinting because the older man’s hands showed signs of wear. This detail, Lewandowski suggested, reflected who had been arrested. He pointed out that violence had been used against hardworking individuals, even as public disorder was high. He emphasized that some arrestees were sober, yet were detained and kept in custody. This, he argued, amounts to a scandal and warrants action when police officers exceed their powers.
– said Bartosz Lewandowski.
How will the courts respond?
The lawyer was also asked to weigh in on court rulings. The discussion recalled moments when judges showed leniency toward street fighters in the period from 2015 to 2023.
He expressed hope that courts would scrutinize current police conduct with the same rigor and fairness. Lewandowski affirmed that defenders would do everything possible to safeguard the rights of those involved in the protest. He noted that the suppression of the farmers’ demonstration suggested how authorities might operate in future protests against the government. He added that the era when the police relied primarily on direct coercive measures only in emergency situations had ended, predicting broader use of these tactics at future anti-government demonstrations.
– emphasized Bartosz Lewandowski
WB
Source: wPolityce