A Polish non-governmental organization has initiated legal action against President Andrzej Duda, citing controversial statements he made regarding the film "Green Border" in 2023. The lawsuit, filed by the Racist and Xenophobic Behaviour Monitoring Centre, alleges that Duda insulted Polish citizens by referring to viewers of the film as "pigs."
The film in question, directed by Agnieszka Holland, depicts the migrant crisis at the Belarus-Poland border. This 418 km long border has been a focal point of tension since 2021, when Belarus allegedly began facilitating the movement of migrants from the Middle East and North Africa to the European Union's eastern frontier.
Holland's work, which received the Special Jury Prize at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, has drawn criticism from Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party. The party, in power since 2015, condemned the film's portrayal of Polish security services' treatment of migrants, viewing it as an affront to those protecting the nation's borders.
In response to the film's release, President Duda made a statement that has now led to legal repercussions. He expressed understanding for critics who used the slogan "Only pigs sit in the cinema" to describe those who viewed the film. This phrase carries historical weight in Poland, evoking memories of past censorship and political pressure on the arts.
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate surrounding Poland's approach to the migrant crisis. Since 2021, the country has taken stringent measures, including the construction of a 5.5-meter-high steel wall along its border with Belarus in 2022. These actions have been defended as necessary for national security but have also drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
"We have filed a lawsuit against the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda for insulting citizens of his own country by calling them "pigs"."
The legal proceedings against President Duda are scheduled to commence on October 24, 2025. Malgorzata Paprocka, the head of Duda's office, has confirmed the case and stated that the president will be represented by his attorney.
This situation underscores the complex interplay between politics, art, and public discourse in Poland. As a member of both NATO and the European Union, Poland's handling of the migrant crisis has implications beyond its borders, affecting its relationships with neighboring countries and international organizations.
The migrant crisis, described by some as a form of "hybrid warfare" orchestrated by Belarus, has strained Poland's ties with humanitarian groups and tested its commitment to EU values. The controversy surrounding "Green Border" and the subsequent legal action against President Duda reflect the ongoing challenges Poland faces in balancing national security concerns with humanitarian obligations and freedom of expression.
As the case progresses, it will likely continue to spark debate about the role of art in political discourse and the responsibilities of public figures in addressing sensitive national issues.