The prosecutor's office has concluded its investigation into the priest of one of the primary schools in Sanok (Podkarpackie), who was charged with violating the physical integrity of students. The injured parties in the case are six minors.
– Under Article 335 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the prosecutor filed a motion to the court to issue a conviction without the need to hold a hearing – Artur Lipiński, spokesman for the District Court in Krosno, told us. The motion was forwarded to the District Court in Sanok.
The penalty that the prosecutor requested for the priest is a fine of PLN 6,000 and a two-year ban on practicing any profession related to the upbringing, education, teaching or care of children.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the District Prosecutor's Office in Sanok. The catechist was charged under Article 217 paragraph 1 of the Penal Code.
§ 1. Whoever strikes a human being or in any other manner violates his or her physical inviolability shall be subject to a fine, the penalty of restriction of liberty or the penalty of deprivation of liberty for up to one year.
As judge Artur Lipiński informed us, there are six students who were wronged in the case. The prosecutor's office, due to the well-being of the wronged, does not provide information about the events covered by the charges. It is only known that they took place on the school grounds where the catechist taught and in the catechism room at the parish where he served. All of the wronged are under 15 years old.
The prosecutor's office does not provide information on whether the priest admitted to the acts he was accused of. It is known that he gave statements during the investigation, which, in order to protect the injured parties, investigators are not revealing.
Investigation due to “important public interest”
The investigation into this case was initiated on March 15 following a notification submitted to the prosecutor’s office on March 8 by the principal of the school where the priest had recently been a catechist.
The investigation into a breach of integrity, which is initiated by a private prosecution, was in this case initiated following a “public complaint” on grounds of an “important public interest”.
The incident in question took place at the end of November last year. It was then that a catechist allegedly hit a student who was allegedly ripping his guitar.
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Teacher suspended
The principal of the school where the catechist was employed stated in an interview with tvn24.pl that she learned about the case in March this year.
– After receiving the information, the school took action, as a result of which the teacher was suspended from his duties as of April 11, 2024, and due to the situation, additional psychological and pedagogical assistance was implemented – the director told us.
She added that explanatory proceedings are also underway in the case before the disciplinary committee for teachers at the Podkarpackie Voivode.
Read also: The priest shouted and pressed the student to the desk. The court wanted to punish him with a fine
– Due to ongoing proceedings and the well-being of the children, I cannot provide details on this matter. I will add that all actions in accordance with procedures have been implemented at the school – she assured.
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