Poland | Cases of persons with mental illness placed in prison show system-related problem

Polish Human Rights Commissioner Adam Bodnar presented a report on a two-year survey conducted by his office and stated that cases of persons with mental illness or significant degree of intellectual disability, placed in prisons, are not a coincidence but a reflection of a system–related problem.

“It is necessary to change the legislation and practice concerning people with mental or intellectual disabilities who take part in criminal proceedings. Otherwise, the rights of such persons, their human rights, will be seriously endangered in our country,” said Commissioner for Human Rights Adam Bodnar while presenting a report on a two-year survey conducted by experts from the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (CHR).

In that period the CHR examined over 100 cases of persons with a mental illness or intellectual disability. As a result, the CHR challenged 45% of related court judgments: he filed 14 cassation appeals (13 have been accepted) and 22 motions to court presidents to resume the proceedings (18 have already been resumed), and submitted 25 interventions to relevant authorities.

Source: Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights, Poland