Szałabawka shared a photo of a young man with darker skin sitting on public transport, alleging he had received it from "concerned residents" and suggesting it was evidence of the presence of illegal migrants in the city of Szczecin. The post did not blur the individual’s face, raising ethical and legal concerns.
"The decision is made. I will publish photos and posts that worried residents send me. It is my duty," Szałabawka wrote. "'Mr. MP, they are already in Szczecin, please note the scar on his cheek. Today on the bus, route Załom-Podjuchy.'"
The post, which has since been deleted, provoked immediate backlash from politicians, journalists, and social media users. Many accused Szałabawka of inciting hatred and discrimination.
Criticism from within PiS
Even former PiS councilor Małgorzata Jacyna-Witt condemned the post. "This is disgusting incitement. That young man is a Tunisian, an excellent hairdresser in one of Szczecin’s salons. He speaks some Polish but is fluent in English, unlike the PiS MP," she wrote on X.
Szałabawka responded, acknowledging Jacyna-Witt’s clarification but maintaining his stance. "I understand that the person has been verified by you and is not an illegal migrant. I am deleting the post, but this does not change the fact that we must remain vigilant!" he wrote, further fueling the controversy.
Outrage grows as post circulates online
Despite its deletion, screenshots of the original post continue to circulate. Agnieszka Gozdyra, a journalist for Polsat News, commented, "Szałabawka deleted his post, but nothing disappears from the internet. I have a screenshot should the man in the photo wish to take legal action. There are limits, and politicians must reconsider their actions on social media."
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism from opposition figures and social activists. "A PiS MP is harassing random individuals by posting secretly taken photos because of their skin color. Shouldn't this be referred to the parliamentary ethics committee?" prominent blogger Kataryna wrote.
Warsaw district councilor Dorota Spyrka of the Razem party added, "No person is 'illegal.' Some people are simply disgraceful, like this MP."
Other members of the social democratic Razem party joined the criticism. "Even if he were undocumented, he remains a human being with dignity. What kind of public shaming is this from an MP? This is disgraceful," said Zofia Malisz.
Łukasz Garczewski, a member of the party’s national board, warned that his party would closely monitor Szałabawka’s activities in parliament. "Given his extreme vigilance, we have reason to worry that his other ideas may not be good for the country."
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Source: Polskie Radio 24