The Ministry of National Defense responds to the scandal in the Territorial Defense Forces. Assault on a minor in the background
The Polish Ministry of National Defense has reacted to allegations against a Territorial Defense Forces soldier accused of sexually assaulting a minor, resulting in the soldier's dismissal.
The Polish Ministry of National Defense (MON) has taken decisive action following allegations against Zbigniew K.-G., a soldier in the Territorial Defense Forces (WOT), who is accused of sexually assaulting a minor during an event in October last year. The incident reportedly occurred during the Hubertus event in Εwierklaniec, where K.-G. is alleged to have committed the assault while under the influence of alcohol. Following the revelation of these charges, the prosecutor's office formally charged him with leading another person to engage in sexual acts while impaired by alcohol.
Despite the serious allegations, it was reported that the commander of K.-G.'s regiment did not suspend him but instead promoted him to a prestigious position, raising serious concerns about accountability within the military ranks. This situation came to light following an investigative report published by Onet, prompting public outcry and necessitating a response from the Ministry of Defense. MON's response to the situation included the immediate dismissal of K.-G. from service, signaling a shift towards greater accountability within the ranks of the WOT amidst allegations of misconduct.
The scandal has raised critical questions regarding oversight and the handling of misconduct within military structures in Poland, highlighting systemic issues that may allow such behavior to persist unchecked. The immediate dismissal of K.-G. indicates an effort by the MON to address these issues head-on and restore public trust, though it remains to be seen what further reforms might be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.