They deserve respect, not criminal trials," said Paweł Suski, explaining the justification for the bill on the non-punishment of Polish citizens who joined the Ukrainian armed forces without the approval of our authorities to defend the freedom and independency of this country. The bill will now be dealt with by the Sejm Emergency Committee.
Ukrainian soldiers. Illustration picture.
Members present addressed the bill on abolition for Poles – volunteers fighting Russia in Ukraine. The first reading took place during the Joint Committee on National Defence and Justice and Human Rights.
According to the draft, he “forgives himself and lets go of crimes and transgressions... consisting in accepting military duties in the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the period from 24 February 2022 to 31 December 2026 without the agreement of the competent authority.” It was stressed that this was a military subject to the Ukrainian authorities recognized by the Republic of Poland as legitimate. In addition, the proposal provides that upon returning to the country specified persons will be obliged to notify the Minister of National Defence of the details of their engagement on the side of Ukraine.
Rapporteur Paweł Suski (KO), Vice-President of the Parliamentary Committee on National Defence, recalled that Polish law now prohibits Polish citizens from military service in a abroad country without the prior approval of Polish authorities. According to the penal code: "Who, being a Polish citizen, accepts military duties in a abroad military or abroad military organisation without the approval of the competent authority, is subject to imprisonment from 3 months to 5 years". "For this reason, those who fought in Ukraine, on the side of values close to Poland and the European Union, can face justice. This is simply a morally and socially hard situation, which is why the law on the non-punishment of volunteers defending freedom and independency Ukraine is not only needed, but it is essential – said Suski.
The MP besides stressed that Poles who decided to fight on the side of Ukraine deserve respect, not criminal trials. "The introduction of an abolition bill is not only an act of justice towards them, but besides an expression of the maturity of the state, which understands that the letter of law cannot always prevail over his spirit," argued Suski.
Ms Anna Bajurska, Deputy manager of the MON Legal Department, besides took the level during the meeting. She stressed that the Council of Ministers expressed a affirmative position on this proposal. However, she pointed to a number of comments relating, inter alia, to the temporary operation of the rules. The Ministry of Defence proposes that the abolition law should cover only actions committed before its entry into force.
The task will now be handled by the Extraordinary Subcommittee. Mr Suski pointed out that during her work 1 of the priorities would be to analyse the duration of the abolition and to establish details concerning the submission of information by people who will return from fighting in Ukraine to Poland. Issues concerning social and wellness benefits for those fighting in the east are besides to be considered.
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