Robert Bąkiewicz acquitted of damaging historic ministry building

A Warsaw court has acquitted Robert Bąkiewicz, former head of the Independence March Association, of charges regarding the damage of a historic monument. The case stemmed from an incident in January 2024, when Bąkiewicz painted the ‘Poland Fighting’ symbol on the facade of the Ministry of Climate and Environment building.

Prosecutors had charged Bąkiewicz with damaging a protected monument, following reports from conservationists. However, the court's justification noted that the graffiti was successfully removed using chemical agents and high-pressure hot water without leaving permanent marks or structural damage to the facade. The cleaning process cost approximately 3,700 PLN.

Bąkiewicz had previously criticized the government of Donald Tusk in social media videos related to the incident, alleging the removal of national symbols. In October 2025, Bąkiewicz voluntarily reimbursed the ministry for the full cost of the cleaning work. The verdict is not yet final.