Mayor of Zamość Receives Death Threats

7 April 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Mayor Rafał Zwolak received explicit threats. Read about Threats to Zamosc mayor and what expats should know about reporting them.

The mayor of Zamość published a screenshot of a direct threat. The message said, “You won’t survive this term.” This incident highlights ongoing threats to local officials and raises concerns about online hate.

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Threats to Zamosc mayor: what happened

Rafał Zwolak posted a screenshot from Facebook. The sender wrote, “You won’t survive this term. This I can f… announce. Graduate of the Jewish university in Lublin.” Consequently, the message reads as a direct death threat. Moreover, Zwolak described earlier attacks. First, someone threatened to “gut him with a mushroom knife.” Then someone claimed there was a bomb at the town hall. Therefore, the threats have escalated in both tone and method. In addition, the mayor asked how many times officials must report such threats to police.

Who is Rafał Zwolak and why he is targeted

Zwolak became mayor on 6 May 2024 after a heated campaign. He defeated Andrzej Wnuk and won 64 percent in the runoff. Moreover, he gained support from former mayors and the Civic Coalition. He previously served on the city council in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Zwolak has sparked controversy since taking office. He filed a complaint against nationalist activist Robert Bąkiewicz. He also clashed with the Institute of National Remembrance over commemorations. Therefore, right-wing figures have repeatedly attacked him. However, attacks escalated beyond words and moved into threats.

Legal and safety implications for the city

Threats against public officials are criminal under Polish law. Consequently, the police and prosecutor can investigate the case. The mayor filed notifications with authorities. In Poland, such reports usually go to Policja first. Then the prosecutor’s office, the Prokuratura, may press charges. In addition, courts can punish serious threats with prison time. However, online anonymity complicates investigations. Fake accounts and coordinated pages spread hate. Therefore, the risk to officials and their families rises.

Why expats should care

Zamość sits in the Lublin Voivodeship. It attracts tourists for its Renaissance old town. Moreover, the city relies on stable governance. Threats can disrupt public services and local events. Therefore, foreign residents should follow local news. In addition, violent rhetoric often precedes real attacks. We remember the murder of Gdańsk mayor Paweł Adamowicz. That murder started from an environment of escalating hate. Consequently, safety for residents and visitors becomes a public concern.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland you should report threats to the Policja (police) and the Prokuratura (public prosecutor). You can file a written complaint, called “zawiadomienie o popełnieniu przestępstwa.” In addition, retain screenshots and note account details. If you are an expat, bring your ID or PESEL if you have one; otherwise show your passport. Moreover, online threats may lead to criminal proceedings. Therefore, embassies and consulates can advise foreign residents. Finally, basic public services like ZUS (social insurer) or NFZ (public health insurer) will not intervene in criminal cases, so contact law enforcement first.

Local politics in Zamość remain heated. Consequently, the city’s administration faces mounting pressure. However, authorities must balance free speech and criminal conduct. In addition, residents should remain vigilant and report dangerous posts.

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