Justice Minister Adam Bodnar published a study on Richard Cyba's controversial release from prison. The paper reveals major gaps in the strategy and indicates the request for immediate changes.
Chaos around Cyba release – what went wrong?
Ryszard Cyba, sentenced to at least 30 years of imprisonment, left the prison after 14 years of imprisonment. The decision to release him was taken by the territory Court in Łódź in March of that year, citing the condition of the sentenced. Cyba presently resides in the ward of forensic psychiatry with enhanced security, but the procedure itself caused an avalanche of questions and doubts.
The media reported on the various possible locations of his stay, and the press conference organised by the Ministry of Justice not only did not dispel doubts, but even further deepened the confusion.
Bodnar's report: “A systemic problem” in the Polish judiciary
In a study published on Wednesday, Minister Adam Bodnar acknowledged that although the authorities had control of Cyba, the full situation exposed serious systemic problems.
"Although the state authorities had control over the convict all the time, and each institution acted according to its own procedures, the situation in question revealed the strategy deficiencies that have existed for many years. Moreover, in my view, the attitude of the individual state authorities may have been more prudent and predictable. All of this was delayed in identifying cases that should be treated as urgent by courts. This is unacceptable’ – reads the ministry message.
Urgent changes: fresh centres and improvement of law
The study indicates the request for crucial changes, including:
- establishment of specialised centres for convicts whose wellness is prevented from remaining in prison,
- Amendment of the lawthat akin cases are dealt with at public hearings with the prosecutor,
- speeding up judicial procedures in urgent cases.
The conclusions and recommendations contained in the paper have already been forwarded to the applicable institutions. Will they bring real changes? Show Time
Adam Bodnar, Ryszard Cyba, Ministry of Justice, report, prison system, judicial psychiatry, law reform, justice, judiciary, wellness care of convicted
message by the Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar on Ryszard Cyba
For the first time in the modern past of the Polish judiciary, the court suspended the execution of the life conviction due to the advanced dementia of convicted Richard Cyba. Through cooperation @MS_GOV_PL And... pic.twitter.com/8NptAZLtIO
— Min. Justice (@MS_GOV_PL) April 16, 2025
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"This state of affairs is unacceptable." Shocking Bodnar study on Cyba's release
