Polish opposition seeks dismissal of Children's Ombudsman Horna-Cieślak after child removal dispute

Street confrontation in Białołęka

A political dispute erupted in Poland on 23 September 2026 following revelations regarding an intervention by Children's Rights Ombudsman Monika Horna-Cieślak. According to an investigative report published by portal Zero.pl, the incident began on 14 August 2026 in Warsaw's Białołęka district. Horna-Cieślak observed a woman shouting at and jerking her child near a street. When the ombudsman intervened verbally, the mother responded with profanities. Horna-Cieślak subsequently contacted the police, prompting law enforcement to open an inquiry into the family.

Child removal and judicial reversal

Initial assessments by attending police officers, a court-appointed guardian, and the local family court found no immediate legal grounds to remove the two children, aged three and four. However, the ombudsman's office made repeated telephone inquiries to the court, and Horna-Cieślak met directly with Warsaw Metropolitan Police Commander Krzysztof Ogroński. Following these contacts, a police officer issued an eviction and restraining order barring the parents from their residence and their children. Because the parents could not immediately secure alternative family caregivers, both children were transferred to a residential childcare facility. Shortly afterward, the family court re-evaluated the emergency measure and ordered the immediate return of both children, stating that the state intervention bore marks of institutional violence and was disproportionate to the event.

Institutional response and domestic records

Horna-Cieślak defended her actions in a statement published on social media, maintaining that her intervention was necessary to protect the minors from harm. She emphasized that she witnessed active mistreatment during the confrontation and asserted that state agencies held ongoing records regarding the household.

I was a witness to the use of physical and psychological violence against young children in a public place. In addition to physical violence, the mother insulted the child in a vulgar manner.

The ombudsman stated that her office possesses documentation regarding the family dating back to 2025, including Blue Card domestic violence records and witness reports from neighbors. The Warsaw Metropolitan Police also issued a statement explaining that their risk evaluation did not rely solely on the street incident, noting that an interdisciplinary procedure involving social services had already been tracking the household.

Dismissal motions and legal complaints

Opposition parties in the Sejm announced immediate procedural steps to remove Horna-Cieślak from her post. Law and Justice parliamentary leader Mariusz Błaszczak confirmed that his caucus would formally file a dismissal motion, arguing that the ombudsman exceeded her statutory role by pressuring other institutions.

This case must be thoroughly clarified. In our assessment, Monika Horna-Cieślak should no longer serve as the Children's Rights Ombudsman. Therefore, we are submitting a motion for her dismissal.

Konfederacja leader Sławomir Mentzen launched a petition to gather signatures for her removal, calling the temporary placement of the toddlers in institutional care unacceptable. Lawmakers from Rozwój Plus, including Robert Gontarz and Paweł Jabłoński, also announced dismissal motions and prepared a notification to prosecutors alleging abuse of public authority under Article 231 of the Polish Penal Code.