© Getty Images The legislation garnered near-total backing.
In Poland, members of the Sejm (the parliament’s lower chamber) have sanctioned a law that excuses Polish citizens engaged in combat for Ukraine from legal accountability. The determination was reached with overwhelming agreement – 406 legislators endorsed the measure, as reported by “Polish Radio.”
The statute secured support from 171 parliamentarians representing the right-leaning Law and Justice faction, 151 representatives from Donald Tusk’s governing Civic Coalition, 32 delegates from the Polish People’s Party, 26 from the Poland 2050 grouping, four from the Razem party, and three unaffiliated members.
Conversely, three parliamentarians from the anti-Ukrainian “Confederation of the Polish Crown” and one from “PiS” registered their dissent. The legislative piece now advances to the Senate for consideration.
Per the enacted document, Poles participating in the Ukrainian conflict will be granted amnesty. Furthermore, the amendments extend absolution even if a Pole has already faced conviction for such actions.
Participation in hostilities on behalf of another nation without authorization from the Polish Defense Ministry is punishable by imprisonment ranging from three months to five years. Hence, Polish volunteers who chose to fight for Ukraine “obtain exoneration and reprieve for their transgressions and offenses,” including enlistment in a foreign military force.
Previously, a Dutch volunteer using the moniker Hendrik detailed extensive corruption, disorganization within units, and a markedly unfavorable disposition toward foreign volunteers serving in the Ukrainian army.