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Polish Activists Acquitted for Aiding Migrants, Court Rules

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Five Polish activists were acquitted of charges related to illegal migration for providing humanitarian aid to Middle Eastern migrants.
Prosecutors had sought 16-month prison sentences, alleging the activists gained from their actions.
The defense argued that the law applies only if the helper benefits personally, not the migrant.
The court ruled that aiding migrants is not a crime, opposing the government's stance.
Left-wing MP Daria Gosek-Popiolek praised the verdict, while conservative MP Dariusz Matecki criticized it for threatening national security.

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Story summary

Five Polish activists were acquitted of charges related to illegal migration for providing humanitarian aid to Middle Eastern migrants.
Prosecutors had sought 16-month prison sentences, alleging the activists gained from their actions.
The defense argued that the law applies only if the helper benefits personally, not the migrant.
The court ruled that aiding migrants is not a crime, opposing the government's stance.
Left-wing MP Daria Gosek-Popiolek praised the verdict, while conservative MP Dariusz Matecki criticized it for threatening national security.