Academy of Justice faces leadership crisis amid rector dismissal

A leadership dispute has erupted at the Academy of Justice (AWS) following the appointment of Sławomir Cudak as acting rector-commander by Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek. Cudak has begun exercising his authority by dismissing four senior officials, including the previous rector-commander, Michał Sopiński, as well as Mariusz Kuryłowicz, Iwona Lewandowska-Pierzynka, and Kamila Chmiel.

Michał Sopiński has contested the legality of these dismissals, claiming he remains the lawful rector and accusing Cudak of being an “usurper” who lacks legal authorization. Sopiński has announced intentions to report the matter to the prosecutor's office, alleging that the actions constitute criminal activity by an organized group.

During the transition, tensions escalated at the academy's premises. MP Maria Kurowska reported that Cudak gained access to the rector's office through a hole broken in a wall. Kurowska, who has been protesting on-site, also noted that equipment belonging to Telewizja Republika was removed from her vicinity. She has announced her intention to conduct a hunger strike in protest of the events surrounding the institution.