Piotr W. avoided remand in custody. Court rejected prosecution's motion
A man detained on Friday at the Constitutional Tribunal premises following an attack on police officers will not be remanded in custody. The Warsaw court imposed no precautionary measures.
Court refused remand in custody
Piotr W., detained on Friday at the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw, will remain at liberty. According to Onet, the Warsaw court rejected a motion by the prosecution, which had sought a month's remand. Magdalena Majkowska, one of the man's defence counsel, confirmed the court's decision via social media: "In the Court's view, there is no need to apply any precautionary measures".
Piotr W.'s defence was conducted by a trio of lawyers from Ordo Iuris. The team argued that the prosecution had not demonstrated a high probability that the deed had been committed. The defence team also indicated an absence of grounds for fear of flight or concealment. The defence counsel emphasised that maintaining remand would be disproportionate and that non-custodial measures could adequately secure the proceedings.
In its submission, the defence drew attention to the man's biography. Piotr W. has no previous convictions and maintains a stable life situation. He belongs to a voluntary fire brigade and is a former professional soldier. He actively participated in protests outside the Constitutional Tribunal's premises. His wife and children are waiting for him.
Detention and charges
The detention occurred on Friday during the securing of an assembly. Police officers noticed Piotr W., who was behaving suspiciously. The man attempted to flee into a building on Marszałkowska Street and attacked a police officer. During a search, a knife was found on him, which he did not, however, attempt to use.
Bartosz Malewski, one of the lawyers, reported the charges brought. Piotr W. was charged under articles 224 and 222 of the criminal code – exerting influence on the actions of officials and violation of bodily integrity. On Saturday evening, proceedings with the man concluded. He refused to give a statement and did not admit guilt.
The prosecution justified its motion for remand by citing fear of concealment. Piotr W. had from the outset refused to provide personal and address details. During questioning, after hearing information about the remand motion, the man fainted and was taken by ambulance to hospital. Piotr Antoni Skiba, the spokesperson for the District Prosecutor's Office, stressed that psychiatric examinations by the court were to be secured by remand, but the court did not take this into consideration.
Source: Onet