Tusk blames presidential veto for lack of tools to curb school violence online
Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned recent knife attacks at two Polish schools and criticized the president for blocking a law that would let the state block dangerous online content.
Two separate knife attacks shocked Poland this week: a 19-year-old wounded nine students and was found with a homemade bomb at Zespół Szkół Zawodowych nr 4 in Ostrołęca, and a 15-year-old stabbed three people, including a 37-year-old caretaker who later died, in Leszczydole-Nowiny near Wyszków. The younger assailant wore a helmet equipped with a camera, suggesting a link to online influences. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the events as part of an “evil fashion” imported from abroad and warned that extremist content online can translate into real-world violence.
He highlighted a draft law that would allow the state to block threatening material instantly, noting that the president vetoed it while citing freedom of speech. Tusk accused the veto of leaving children and vulnerable citizens unprotected and called for decisive state intervention.
Why it matters
The debate highlights how Poland may tighten internet regulation to prevent school violence.
How this story developed
- Oct 7 Knife attack at Polish high school leaves nine injured, attacker arrested
- Oct 7 New reports specify that at least seven people were injured, revising earlier counts.
- Oct 8 A 15‑year‑old former student killed a caretaker and injured two staff members at Leszczydol‑Nowiny primary school.
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