Stop Hate Speech. Żurek: There will be a textbook and mandatory training
Poland's Minister of Justice, Waldemar Żurek, announced plans to combat hate crime by introducing a new textbook and mandatory training for prosecutors and police.
In recent years, Poland has seen a staggering increase in hate crimes, with a rise of over five thousand percent in the last two decades. Despite this alarming statistic, judicial responses have been minimal, with courts averaging only three additional cases per year related to hate crimes. Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek emphasized the need for change, pointing out that while hate-driven offenses are on the rise, the legal system's response has been inadequate, leading to a sense of impunity for offenders.
To address this issue, new initiatives will be launched, including a special textbook designed for prosecutors and police officers to enhance their understanding and handling of hate crimes. This textbook is set to be released by the Ministry of Justice later this year, which will serve as a foundational resource for legal professionals. Additionally, regular training sessions will be organized for prosecutors assigned to hate crime cases, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle such offenses effectively.
The reform strategy includes the establishment of specialized offices in the National Council of the Judiciary and the prosecution service, with designated prosecutors in each district focusing solely on cases of hate crimes and violence motivated by prejudice. This initiative is aimed at fostering accountability and ensuring that hate crimes are prosecuted more vigorously, thereby curbing the rising tide of hate speech and hate-motivated offenses in Poland.