A Polish organization called the Center for Monitoring Racist and Xenophobic Behavior (OMZRiK) is making headlines by filing a lawsuit against President Andrzej Duda. They claim that he insulted the Polish people with comments he made about a 2023 film called Green Border, which deals with the migrant crisis at the Polish border.
On Sunday, OMZRiK announced their bold move on X (formerly Twitter), stating their intention to make Duda the first president ever to be taken to court by Polish citizens. This dramatic legal action is sure to grab attention across the country and beyond.
The Controversial Comments
The drama began when Duda spoke about Green Border, a film directed by the award-winning Agnieszka Holland. The movie portrays the struggles of refugees from the Middle East and Africa trying to enter the European Union through the Belarus-Poland border. While the film received critical acclaim internationally, it faced significant backlash in Poland, particularly from the ruling party at the time, the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS). They accused the filmmaker of disrespecting Polish border guards.
During an interview with a public broadcaster, Duda referred to the film’s viewers as “pigs.” He explained that he was quoting a phrase associated with Polish opposition to Nazi propaganda films during World War II. However, many people interpreted his words as a direct insult to Polish citizens who watched the film.
The NGO’s Response
OMZRiK was outraged by Duda’s comments. In a statement, they emphasized that the president insulted millions of Poles by calling them pigs. They declared, “Let’s take Duda to court now!” This strong response indicates the seriousness of their claim and their determination to hold the president accountable for his words.
The Court Case
The District Court in Warsaw has already set a date for the first hearing of the case: October 24, 2025. By that time, Duda will no longer be in office, as his second term as president ends in August 2025, and he cannot run again. Experts believe the court may order Duda to apologize or pay damages if they find him guilty of insulting the public.
The Bigger Picture
Green Border isn’t just a film; it represents the broader issues surrounding the migrant crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border, which has been a point of tension since 2021. Poland has accused Belarus of purposely sending migrants from Africa and the Middle East to its border to create chaos. Meanwhile, Belarus claims that Polish authorities are mistreating asylum seekers.
This lawsuit against President Duda adds another layer to the already complicated situation, raising questions about leadership, accountability, and the treatment of citizens in a time of crisis. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Duda and the political landscape in Poland.
