The case of Dorota Nieznalska
Dorota Nieznalska is an artist who was prosecuted and convicted for "offending religious beliefs" when in 2002 she exhibited at a gallery in Gdansk an installation "Passion" that included a cross on which was a photograph of male genitalia, while a video of a man training in a fitness studio played in the background. The work symbolised men's self-imposed suffering in order to become "real", strong men.ÂLast summer she was acquitted on appeal, and the liberal daily Gazeta Wyborcza was delighted:
Yesterday's judgement in the Gdánsk courtroom was a toast to freedom. Dorota Nieznalska was declared innocent. After eight years! This judgement is a celebration of freedom and reason. It is a victory for critical art - which has no intention of insulting anyone - over politics, which denigrates free thinkers and imputes them with the worst intents. The League of Polish Families [the Catholic nationalist party that brought the charges] did not attack Dorota Nieznalska personally, it just sees enemies everywhere it looks." (05/06/2009)
This acquittal was upheld by the District Court of GdaÅ„sk in March 2010.Â
Now, however, the prosecutors are trying to revive the case, and the EHFÂ has written to protest at this intention.
We received a reply from the prosecutors' office, in which they merely confirm that they are considering a fresh legal appeal against acquittal.