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Polish charity leader Jurek Owsiak reveals threats, police investigating

08.01.2025 12:02
Jurek Owsiak, head of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP), revealed on social media that he received life-threatening messages ahead of the 33rd final, scheduled for January 26, 2025. His post sparked a nationwide reaction in Poland.
The head of the WOŚP Foundation, Jurek Owsiak, revealed the threats he received ahead of the next edition of one of Polands largest charity events, set to take place on January 26, 2025.
The head of the WOŚP Foundation, Jurek Owsiak, revealed the threats he received ahead of the next edition of one of Poland's largest charity events, set to take place on January 26, 2025. Piotr Molecki/East News/Facebook/Jurek Owsiak (screenshot)

UPDATE: Suspect arrested for threatening Owsiak – head of WOŚP rejects police protection

Owsiak expressed concern about continuing due to rising threats, including one where a caller said he "should be shot." Despite these threats, he confirmed that the foundation would proceed with its mission and emphasized the ongoing investigation into the incitement of hatred.

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Opublikowany przez Jurka Owsiaka Wtorek, 7 stycznia 2025

He pointed out that similar hate speech from far-right media had previously led to the tragic death of Gdańsk Mayor Paweł Adamowicz,  who was fatally attacked on stage during the 2019 WOŚP finale.

Owsiak assured the public that the police had been notified about the recent threats he received.

Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Warsaw police are investigating possible public incitement to hatred against Jerzy Owsiak and the WOŚP Foundation via YouTube and social media. Dobrzyński emphasized that there will be zero tolerance for spreading hate.

Source: Facebook.com/Jurek Owsiak/X/@BBCWorld/@JacekDobrzynski

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