In a recent appearance on the Guest of News program, Minister of Justice Zbigniew Ziobro asserted that Poles deserve to live in an even safer state. He used the platform to address the Senate’s stance against tightening penalties for the most dangerous criminals, expressing disappointment with what he described as a united front by the Civic Platform, the PSL, Mr Hołownia’s movement, and the left in defending those offenders.
Ziobro emphasized a push for higher penalties for perpetrators of rape involving particular cruelty, noting that the current maximum sentence of fifteen years is inadequate for such grievous crimes. He proposed increasing the maximum penalty to 30 years in prison and outlined measures aimed at confronting organized crime and mafia networks. He reiterated that Poles deserve a country that feels more secure.
He added that the Platform party’s current stance reflects a broader dispute about how justice should be administered at the highest levels of security prisons, hinting at a pattern where some parties support more lenient approaches while the state moves toward stricter consequences for serious offenses.
The minister also commented on measures intended to remove certain privileges from inmates. He argued that political circles, particularly from the Platform and allied groups, have long favored treating prisons like sanatoriums, with inmates viewed as patients rather than dangerous criminals. In his view, this mindset has contributed to a need to trim the benefits enjoyed by those who commit serious crimes.
Ziobro recalled that the changes his ministry has implemented have resulted in a large share of detainees working while serving their sentences. This work participation translates into the payment of compensation and alimony, benefiting families and victims alike, according to the minister.
He also spoke about an overall rise in Poland’s security level, noting that the government has taken steps to restrict immigration from certain regions, a move he described as a precaution against potential crime and terrorism risks observed in other Western countries. He asserted that these actions have contributed to a perception of Poland as a safer nation.
Frasyniuk’s words
Ziobro referenced a court decision related to remarks by former opposition figure Władysław Frasyniuk, describing his statements as shameful. The minister argued that soldiers of the Polish army should not be subjected to insults, and he condemned language that called military personnel names such as garbage or dog, particularly when such comments appeared in connection with Polish responses to provocation from abroad. The substance of his criticism centered on the impact of these remarks on national morale during tense regional events.
According to Ziobro, the court must respond to what he views as disrespect toward the armed forces. He suggested that public discourse, with broader media engagement, can influence the perception and strength of Polish soldiers. The minister framed patriotism in terms of both Polish and Ukrainian soldiers, urging that Polish forces not be deprived of legitimacy or subjected to contempt, especially amid ongoing regional tensions and defensive efforts against aggression.
In closing, Ziobro connected these issues to the broader national interest, emphasizing the need for strong, principled leadership to safeguard Poland’s security and sovereignty in a challenging international environment. The remarks were delivered in a context of national debate about criminal justice, national defense, and the balance between security and civil liberties.
[attribution: wPolityce]