5 years in prison. Parliament unanimously: new regulations protect medical personnel
The second reading of the government's bill amending the Penal Code, the Petty Offenses Code, and the Petty Offenses Procedure Code took place in the Sejm on Wednesday. The proposed changes are intended to provide more effective protection from violence for public officials, paramedics, and citizens providing assistance. The bill previously received a positive opinion from the Special Committee for Codification Changes.
Representatives of all parliamentary groups expressed their support for him.
"This bill is not just a catalog of regulations, but a manifesto of state responsibility. We are demonstrating that Poland will not leave those who serve society and defend others unprotected," emphasized Jolanta Niezgodzka, representing the Civic Coalition.
- This bill is about respect for the uniform, service, courage - she added and announced that Civic Coalition MPs will vote for the solutions included in the bill.
On behalf of the Law and Justice parliamentary group, Marcin Warchoł, a member of parliament from this party, also announced his support for the bill.
Mirosław Adam Orliński from the parliamentary club of the Polish People's Party - Third Way emphasized that the proposed amendment is a response to a social need.
"Cases of aggression against medical personnel are becoming more frequent. There has been a certain unrest in society; those providing assistance often wonder if they will be okay," he said.
Sławomir Ćwik, representing the Polish 2050 - Third Way club, pointed out that it is necessary to tighten penalties for attacks on medics so that they act as a deterrent against attacks on medics.
- That's why this punishment must be severe - he emphasized.
Both MPs announced their support for the project on behalf of their clubs, and similar declarations were made by representatives of the Left and Confederation clubs.
The bill provides for harsher penalties for violence against those intervening and greater protection against verbal aggression: an attack on a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or person rescuing others (e.g., stopping an attacker, breaking up a fight, rescuing someone from a fire) will be punishable by a prison sentence of three months to five years . Citizens who intervene will also be afforded the same protections as public officials. Previously, the penalty for violating an officer's inviolability was up to three years, while for a citizen rescuing others, it was up to two years in prison.
In turn, anyone who is insulted during an intervention (e.g., insults or threats) will be able to count on the prosecutor's office to investigate the perpetrator, not only upon a private request, but also ex officio. Aggressive behavior in a public place, such as a hospital or office, will be punishable by arrest, restriction of liberty, or a fine of PLN 1,000-5,000 (current fines range from PLN 100 to PLN 500). The same penalty will apply for disturbing the peace and public order under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The court will have to publish the judgment (e.g. on the website) - at the request of the injured party - if the perpetrator is convicted of violence against an officer or a person rescuing others.
If someone is caught red-handed in the act of attacking, the police will have the obligation, not just the ability, to detain them and bring them to court.
The vote on the bill will take place on Thursday.
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