On Monday, the Warsaw territory Attorney's Office informed the erstwhile Deputy Chief of the Capital Police, Mark Ch. The allegations relate to the excess of allowances due to the unfounded detention of demonstrators from Poznań. The substance is controversial and becomes part of a wider debate on abuse of power in fresh years.
Marek Ch., who served as Deputy Chief of the Capital Police and Police Operation Commander under the code name ‘JESJAN 5’, heard a charge of breach of powers. According to the prosecutor's office, on October 30, 2020 in Warsaw he issued an order to detain 5 demonstrators from Poznań, having no legal or factual basis.
A press spokesperson for the territory Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw, Piotr Antoni Skiba, stressed that the actions of Marek Ch. “have been detrimental to the private interest of these persons”. The allegation was made on the basis of Article 231(1) of the Criminal Code, which concerns abuse of power by public officers.
Suspect pleads not guilty
Marek Ch. did not admit to committing the alleged act and refused to explain. He's facing imprisonment for up to 3 years. The case raises interest not only due to the defendant's rank, but besides due to the political context in which the incidental occurred.
Reactions of politicians and announcements of the activities of the Ministry of abroad Affairs
The case was commented on by opposition politicians. Tomasz Siemoniak, head of the Ministry of abroad Affairs, wrote on platform X: "Any officer who has broken the law utilizing PiS politicians will be accounted for". Siemoniak besides confirmed that the prosecution had filed charges “for a politically overzealous commandant”.
The Minister besides announced the establishment of a peculiar committee to analyse cases of abuse of power against citizens from 2015 to 2023. "A committee is about to start work to analyse all cases of abuse of power against citizens fighting for democracy and the regulation of law" – added Siemoniak.
Social and political context
The case of Mark Ch. falls within the wider context of the abuse of power that has occurred in fresh years. Many see it as a symbol of the fight for the regulation of law and democracy. The prosecution's actions and the announcement of a commission to analyse akin cases may be a step towards restoring citizens' assurance in state institutions.
Summary
Former Deputy Chief of the Capital Police, Marek Ch., was brought before the court in connection with allegations of breach of powers. The case concerns the unsubstantiated detention of demonstrators from Poznań, and gives large emotion to both politicians and society. The punishment that threatens him is 3 years in prison. In the background, there is simply a broader debate on abuse of power and the request to settle past actions.
Tags: erstwhile Deputy Chief of Police, charges for police officer, abuse of power, Warsaw territory Attorney's Office, Marek Ch., detention of demonstrators, regulation of law, Ministry of the Interior, Tomasz Siemoniak, Art. 231 k.k., politics and police, fight for democracy
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Former Deputy Chief of the Capital Police heard the charges. Even 3 years in prison
