Poland’s PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński loses his parliamentary immunity over assault accusation

The Polish Sejm, the lower house of parliament, voted to revoke Jarosław Kaczyński’s immunity, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk, leader of the ruling coalition, emphasized the importance of securing a majority in the crucial vote regarding the accusation of assault against a citizen.

On December 4, 2024, Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the Law and Justice Party (PiS), attended a session of the Polish Sejm, the lower house of Poland’s parliament.PAP/Paweł Supernak

Polish MPs voted to strip the immunity of Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the Law and Justice Party (PiS), in connection with accusations of assaulting activist Zbigniew Komosa during Smolensk memorial events.

Kaczyński stated that he expected the decision and defended his actions against Komosa, describing them as a self-defense reaction prompted by a „sense of total impunity” from the activist.

In the case of the assault, 241 opposition members voted in favor of lifting his immunity, while 206 members of PiS and Konfederacja voted against it.

Polish MPs lift Kaczyński’s immunity over assault allegations, but reject it in the other case

However, the Sejm did not agree to lift Kaczyński’s immunity in a separate matter involving the destruction of a wreath during the same memorial, nor did it approve the request for two other PiS members, Anita Czerwińska and Marek Suski, who were accused of damaging the wreath and stealing a plaque.

Leader of the nationalist-populist PiS party emphasized that he would not back down on this matter, reiterating his belief that the Smolensk disaster was orchestrated by Russia, with the possibility of 'certain Polish groups’ being involved.

The politician commented on recent events during a TVP Info broadcast, stating that he would not change his opinion regarding the events of April 10, 2010, when a plane crash occurred, resulting in the death of his brother among others.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk, commenting on the Sejm’s decision shortly after it was announced, emphasized that „the key takeaway is that in the crucial vote regarding the immunity of Jarosław Kaczyński for an act against a citizen, we secured a sufficient majority.”

Source: PAP/TVP Info /X/@PremierRP

(m p)

Radio Poland