Ex-Police Chief Charged Over Grenade Launcher Incident in Poland

Former Polish national police commander, Jaroslaw Szymczyk, faces charges for illegal import and endangerment after accidentally setting off an anti-tank grenade launcher in his office in 2022. The opposition accused the previous government, led by PiS, of covering up the incident, demanding accountability.

On Monday, Poland's ex-national police commander, Jaroslaw Szymczyk, was charged with illegal import and unintentional endangerment. The charges stem from an incident in 2022 when Szymczyk accidentally discharged an anti-tank grenade launcher in his office, causing minor injuries and significant damage.

At the time, opposition parties accused the then-governing Law and Justice (PiS) party of attempting to cover up the incident, while demanding Szymczyk be held responsible. PiS defended Szymczyk, claiming he was the victim of a political vendetta.

Prosecutors, led by Piotr Antoni Skiba, stated that Szymczyk faces two charges: possessing an unlicensed grenade launcher and unintentional endangerment. Despite this, Szymczyk has denied understanding the charges and has not responded to them. Reuters was unable to obtain his comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)