Former Polish Border Guard spokesperson, Anna Michalska, triumphed in a defamation case brought against her by activist Mariusz Kurnyta, also known as “Człowiek Lasu” (Bushman). The court dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that Michalska’s statements were informative rather than defamatory.
Kurnyta, linked to the Podlaskie Volunteer Humanitarian Rescue, alleged that Michalska’s communications were defamatory. However, the court did not find grounds for defamation and opted not to proceed with a full trial based on Kurnyta’s private indictment.
The controversy arose from reports by the Border Guard regarding a Somali national found at the border, whom activists claimed needed urgent help. Contrary to claims, the individual was healthy. Kurnyta felt targeted by the Border Guard’s statements, believing they were defamatory.
Michalska’s defense attorney, Krzysztof Wąsowski, highlighted that the court found no defamation in Michalska’s updates on border situations. The court’s decision favored Michalska, emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy in public communications.