Up to 5 years in prison for attacking a lifeguard. Speedy trial and publication of name

The Council of Ministers has adopted a draft amendment that will increase the safety of those intervening in life- or health-threatening situations - both uniformed services and civilians. The legislation provides for higher penalties for violence, faster proceedings against perpetrators and the possibility of publishing sentences.

- In recent years, attacks on emergency services, as well as on civilians who have chosen to help by risking their own lives, have become more frequent. The new legislation is intended to counter this, says Health Minister Jolanta Sobieranska-Grenda.

The amendment is a response to demands from the medical community, which has increasingly raised alarms about aggression against personnel. Last year alone, emergency medical teams intervened more than 3.2 million times, of which as many as 3,000 times they themselves needed help after acts of violence. - The punishment for an attack on a health care worker must be severe and unavoidable, the minister stressed.

The new regulations provide, among other things:

Stricter penalties for physical violence

• An attack on a police officer, firefighter, paramedic or citizen who, for example, breaks up a fight or renders aid to an injured person, will be punishable by 3 months to 5 years in prison;
  
• Mountain rescuers, water rescuers, doctors and nurses will also be protected;
  
• Previously, there was a maximum of 3 years in prison for violating an officer's integrity, and 2 years for attacking a civilian rescuing others.
  

Greater protection against verbal aggression

• any person insulted during the intervention (e.g., rescuer, doctor, citizen) will be treated as a public official, and the prosecution will be led by the prosecutor's office;
  
• Aggressive behavior in a public place, such as a hospital or office, will be punishable by arrest, restriction of liberty or a fine from PLN 1,000 to PLN 5,000;
  
• The same penalties apply to disorderly persons under the influence of alcohol, drugs or legal highs.
  

Making judgments public

At the request of the victim, the court will have to make the verdict public - for example, publish the name of the perpetrator on the Internet.

Accelerated mode

In cases of hot-blooded arrests - especially after aggression in a hospital, clinic, office or during an emergency - police will be required to detain the perpetrator and bring him or her to a fast-track court.

"Safety is a priority for us. There is no condoning violence against people who help others. Whether it is a paramedic, police officer, firefighter or any citizen who saves others. We also all need to feel safe when going to a clinic, hospital or office, for example. Impunity for those who dare to attack must end," said Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek.

Source: MZ