Poland’s minister of health under President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Morawiecki has been hospitalized, following a severe beating by two men shouting “death to traitors of the homeland.”

Adam Niedzielski released a statement, in which he said he “was punched in the face and then kicked while lying on the ground” before his attackers fled the scene. 

“This entire incident is the result of tolerating hate speech, but also of taking away my protection by the decision of Minister Kierwiński despite numerous threats against me in public space,” he wrote.

“Within minutes, the police and ambulance arrived and provided first aid, and I was taken to the hospital,” Kierwiński added, saying that luckily his injuries were limited to some bruising and soreness.

The former minister thanked both the hospital in Siedlce and the authorities for their swift action. 

“I thank the police for their efficient work and exceptional diligence in collecting evidence,” he noted. 

Former PM Morawiecki responded to the incident on X, posting: “This is what hatred in politics leads to! Get a grip! I expect the police to take immediate and decisive action.”