APPEL! Medal for Captain Anna Michalska!

For many Poles it became a symbol of professionalism and resilience. For political opponents of the government – unfortunately – a convenient goal. In 2021, in the midst of the escalation of the crisis, well-known actor Peter Zelt published in social media a photograph of Captain Michalska, signing it: “the face of the beastly, banditic standards of the PiS state”.

It was hard for a more direct, individual attack against a public officer. This was no longer a general criticism of migration policy, but a hideous act of humiliation for a female representing the uniform and the state.

The case went to court. The D.A. filed an indictment against an officer on duty. In 2024, the court of first instance acquitted the actor, acknowledging that his message was within the limits of permitted criticism. The Prosecutor's Office – inactive led by people for whom the authority of the uniform and dignity of the service were of value – made an appeal.

However, in October 2025 something unimaginable happened. Just before the court of second instance settled the case, the fresh Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek withdrew the appeal, closing the way for further proceedings. This decision, as transmitted to the media, was a direct consequence of his individual command. Thus, Captain Anna Michalska was not only publically insulted – she was besides abandoned by the state to whom she faithfully served. Her superiors at the Border defender haven't released any authoritative positions. The institution she represented with specified large dedication and courage refused to comment.

The image we see is unambiguous: the officer was abandoned. Unsupported, forced to proceed fighting for a good name as a private person. It's hard to stay calm, seeing the state led by the current power betray its heroes.

But that's not all. What happened to Captain Michalska is not an incidental separated from the wider context. On the contrary, it fits into the increasingly visible correctness of public indulgence in the insulting of uniformed services by celebrities, representatives of the media planet and the opinion-making environment associated with the current political option.

The case of Barbara Kurj-Satan – who in 1 of the most vulgar entries of fresh years called Border defender officers “murderers” and “brainless machines” – is an example of this. The case ended in a mistrial. Even though she did not publically express her remorse, the actor inactive suffered no legal consequences.

At the same time – and this is the core of the drama – officers who, with dedication, performed their duties at the border are frequently accused of exceeding their powers, utilizing force or destroying migrants' property.

In June 2025, the prosecution charged 5 Border defender officers. The public said that "when details are revealed, fewer people will want to defend them" – words that not only propose a presumption of guilt, but besides fit into the communicative of systemic detestation of the Polish uniform.

The same mechanics can be seen in the case of Robert Bąkiewicz, who was accused of insulting Border defender officers and the Military Gendarmerie, although he himself denies utilizing the word "traitor" which was attributed to him in the indictment. He was placed under police supervision and was banned from approaching the border (sic!). It is hard not to get the impression that the real reason for the repression was not a word, but an highly effective and accurate attack on German interests.

On the 1 hand, we see a systemic indulgence for those who talk contemptily of officers – frequently under the cloak of artistic expression or expected "fight with fascism". On the another hand – increasingly harsh treatment of those who truly stood on the front line in defence of the Polish state.

It's not just a double standard. It is simply a demoralization of the foundations of social trust in the services and institutions in which the typical of state governance becomes an easy target, and its propagating anarchy of torturers can number on the protection of influential environments.

In all this Captain Anna Michalska became a symbol and a informing at the same time. The symbol – due to the fact that it embodies loyalty, competence and civilian courage of an officer who serves you with full commitment. A informing – due to the fact that her destiny shows what awaits Tuska in Poland, those who publically defend security, law and order.

The medal for Captain Michalska is simply a sign that Poland remembers. That those who stand up for her will not be left to themselves. That uniform – regardless of current power – should always be protected and respected.

It's not just 1 person. It is about all the officers who ask themselves whether, in the event of an attack – physical, media or political – they can number on their country. If we look distant today, it may be besides late next day to reconstruct religion in an simple sense of loyalty and justice.

Captain Anna Michalska cannot become a symbol of abandonment and harm. It should be a model of courage, brave service and respect that belongs to anyone who defends the border of the Republic.

Therefore, one more time I encourage you to sign a petition addressed to the president of Poland.

Dominik Dzierżanowski

Signing portalpel.org