Grzegorz Braun, a Konfederacja MEP and Polish presidential candidate, stormed a hospital in Oleśnica on Wednesday, 16 April, accompanied by supporters. Braun attempted a so-called 'citizen's arrest' of Dr Gizela Jagielska, a gynaecologist who performs legal abortions.
Braun accused her of murder and demanded her detention.
Dr Jagielska was blocked in the administration office for over 50 minutes. Police arrived at the scene and spoke with those involved.
"My patients are waiting for me in the delivery room, but I cannot go to them. It's madness," Dr Jagielska told OKO.press after the event.
Legal abortion controversy
According to Dr Jagielska, Braun and several unidentified individuals blocked her path in the administrative department, insulted her, issued threats, and physically restrained her. "When I tried to leave, I was pushed and grabbed," she said.
Footage published by the media showed Braun and others praying during the event. He also pressured police to arrest the doctor and contacted the local police chief.
Braun harshly criticised Dr Jagielska, accusing her of disrespect for life and comparing her to a war criminal.
The confrontation was triggered by the case of Anita, reported by Gazeta Wyborcza.
At 37 weeks pregnant, Anita was diagnosed with a severe foetal abnormality. After receiving conflicting medical advice and even being placed in a psychiatric hospital, she ultimately underwent a legal abortion performed by Dr Jagielska, in line with Polish law and approved by a national medical board. The case has sparked outrage among right-wing groups.
"The fact that this was a late pregnancy is irrelevant- if there is a medical indication, termination is allowed at any stage," said Sabrina Mana-Walasek, lawyer and co-founder of Prawniczki Pro Abo.
Braun argued that equality before the law should apply to all, born or unborn. "Anyone can find themselves defenceless, and then it is critical who takes care of us. Will it be a doctor like Dr Gizela Jagielska, with the mentality of Dr Mengele, or a good doctor who wants to save us?" he said.
Braun also claimed he wanted human life to be respected in Poland and questioned why Dr Jagielska remained employed, referencing a previous abortion case. "No one is safe while such people are at work," he added.
Prosecutors launch investigation
Police recorded the identities of those involved in the incident, including members of the Góralskie Veto group who accompanied Grzegorz Braun. Several police vehicles, officers in balaclavas, and an anti-conflict team were at the scene.
Braun later claimed that the hospital had violated his personal rights, while another participant, Konfederacja MP Roman Fritz, filed a criminal complaint.
The District Prosecutor's Office in Oleśnica has since opened an official investigation into the hospital events.
Karolina Stocka-Mycek, spokesperson for the Wrocław prosecutor's office, stated that the proceedings concern unlawful deprivation of liberty, as well as clarifying whether the incident involved assault or insult of the doctor.
Commenting on the incident on social media, Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the Minister of the Interior and Administration, stated: "Police took steps to ensure the safety of the doctor verbally attacked by Grzegorz Braun and the hospital in Oleśnica. Documentation of Braun's group's incursion is being analysed for potential crimes and offences, as well as the actions of the hospital management and police officers present. We will not allow such scandalous actions against any person or institution."
Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak also weighed in, writing, "Anyone who threatens doctors or disrupts hospital operations will face severe consequences. Healthcare workers deserve respect and support. Police will strictly enforce the law in such cases."
Deputy Speaker of the Senate Magdalena Biejat announced that she is filing a complaint with the prosecutor's office regarding Braun's assault on the hospital.
"Intimidating doctors and staff, endangering the health and lives of patients and their children, is unacceptable. The only place for Grzegorz Braun should be prison, not the Presidential Palace," Biejat said.
[Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi, Brian Maguire]
