Minister of health under the Andrzej Duda-Morawiecki administration Adam Niedzelski released a statement on Wednesday, August 27th, saying he “was punched in the face and then kicked while lying on the ground.” The two men who attacked the former politician in the eastern Polish town of Siedlce shouted “death to traitors of the homeland.” “Within minutes, the police and ambulance arrived and provided first aid, and I was taken to the hospital,” Niedzelski said. The former minister suffered light injuries.
The attackers approached the ex-minister outside a restaurant, criticising him over decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After being treated, he expressed his gratitude towards the authorities. “I thank the police for their efficient work and exceptional diligence in collecting evidence,” he noted.
He then added: “This entire incident is the result of tolerating hate speech, but also of taking away my protection by the decision of Minister Kierwiński despite numerous threats against me.”
Former Prime Minister Morawiecki reacted to the incident on his social media saying
This is what hatred in politics leads to! Get a grip! I expect the police to take immediate and decisive action.
Police in eastern Poland have since arrested two men accused of the assault.
