Former Polish deputy minister found guilty of inciting hatred against Ukrainians

The District Court in Białystok ruled that Tołwiński insulted Ukrainians based on their nationality and publicly incited hatred against them between March 30 and May 10, 2022. The case was brought forward by Ukrainian journalist and activist Ihor Kravets, supported by the Polish Racist and Xenophobic Behaviour Monitoring Center, after prosecutors had twice dismissed the case.

Evidence presented in court included Tołwiński’s social media posts in which he referred to Ukrainians as "Bandera rabble" and "primitives whose only goal is the destruction of our culture." He also posted that Poland "must get rid of them before this Ukrainian infection completely infects our society."

Magdalena Spisak, an attorney representing the Racist and Xenophobic Behaviour Monitoring Center, stated that the court rejected Tołwiński’s defense, which attempted to justify the slurs through historical context.

"The accused used the term 'Banderites' interchangeably with Ukrainians, which is unacceptable," Spisak said. "This verdict serves as a reminder that posting content online carries legal responsibility."

Tołwiński dismissed the verdict as a "political matter," claiming it would "enhance his political resume" and calling the conviction an "honor."

The politician is a known supporter of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, whom he has described as a "true statesman." Tołwiński frequently shares pro-Kremlin rhetoric and recently announced he would attend a Victory Day event at a Soviet military cemetery in Warsaw under the slogan "Polishness is not Russophobia."