Poland

In Poland, the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, as enshrined in Article 54, is frequently invoked in legal proceedings concerning the limits of free speech. Polish statutory law does not explicitly define “hate speech,” but relevant provisions within the civil and criminal codes address this issue by balancing individual speech rights with the protection of others. Notably, Articles 256, 257, and 196 of the Polish Criminal Code impose penalties for inciting hatred and offending religious feelings, thereby setting legal boundaries on speech. These measures have sparked debates on their application and implications within Polish society.