16-year-old arrested in connection with fatal beating of fan in Krakow – Nowa Huta
One of two people arrested following the fatal beating of a 36-year-old man in Krakow's Nowa Huta district is a 16-year-old. A family court released him during a closed hearing, ordering him to return to an educational centre.
Juvenile suspect in beating: court orders return to educational centre
One of two people arrested in connection with the death of a 36-year-old man beaten in Krakow is a 16-year-old – Polsat News reporter Dominika Orzeł has established unofficially. The boy's case was referred to family court.
According to information obtained by Google News PL, the closed hearing lasted just seven minutes. The judge asked police officers to leave the courtroom, then released the 16-year-old without providing justification. Proceedings have been initiated concerning moral turpitude or the commission of a criminal act – the court found there are grounds to investigate the juvenile's involvement in the incident.
The boy is a resident of an educational centre and was on leave from the facility at the time of the incident. As explained by the spokesperson for civil matters at the Regional Court in Krakow, Judge Zbigniew Zgud, placement in a youth educational centre is custodial in nature – the juvenile is accommodated there on a 24-hour basis and cannot leave the facility independently, however may take leave.
At the afternoon hearing, the court did not decide to impose new educational measures on the boy. However, the court supervising the 16-year-old's placement at the facility ordered his immediate return to the centre.
Judge Zgud emphasised that in proceedings conducted under the act on support and rehabilitation of juveniles, there is no formal presentation of charges. The subject of the proceedings is to establish whether the juvenile committed a criminal act, and – if applicable – to determine appropriate measures against him.
Course of attack and investigation status
The incident occurred during the night of Thursday to Friday in the Nowa Huta district. Several people beat a 36-year-old man, and the entire incident was recorded by surveillance cameras. The victim was found by a passing bystander. The man died in an ambulance called to the scene.
Media reports indicate that the victim was a supporter of Hutnik football club. Authorities suggest that the attack may have been carried out by members of fan groups.
On Monday, Anna Zbroja-Zagórska from the press office of the Małopolskie police confirmed the arrest of two men. "Police are conducting activities with these men, establishing their individual involvement in the incident. Intensive action continues aimed at clarifying the matter and finding the perpetrators," the police officer said.
On Sunday, officers arrested and questioned nine other people connected with fan groups. All were subsequently released – investigators did not find sufficient evidence to press charges against them.
That same day, police published photographs of a person who may be connected to the case and appealed to witnesses to come forward. "The Division for Combating Crime Against Life and Health of the Municipal Police Command in Krakow is conducting proceedings concerning the beating of a 36-year-old man, which took place on 21 August on Osiedle Willowe in Krakow. During the proceedings, a person suspected of involvement in this matter has been identified," the Krakow Municipal Police Command stated.
According to the latest police reports, officers already know the identities of all people involved in the attack. The case has been taken over by the provincial police command in Krakow and is being conducted under the supervision of the prosecution.
Footballer Podolski pledges support for victim's family
Footballer Lukas Podolski commented on the death of the 36-year-old on Sunday. "As the owner of Górnik, I am deeply shaken by the tragedy that occurred in Krakow. I have always supported the most passionate fans and that will not change, but we all distance ourselves from cowardly and unconscionable behaviour," he wrote on platform X.
Podolski announced financial support for the victim's family. "Although money will not replace the pain and loss, I have decided that we will show support to the family of the slain fan by giving them all revenue from the away section from the match against Wisła Krakow," announced the owner of Górnik Zabrze, offering condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
Source: Google News PL