Jarosław Kaczyński, the chairman of one of Poland's largest parties, Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, PiS), is a well-known figure. Over his many years in politics, he has gained notoriety for his bizarre and often offensive statements. He once claimed that women do not give birth to children because they "prefer to drink alcohol" and has made 'jokes' about transgender people, suggesting they "change their gender depending on the time of day."

On Thursday, 11 July, Jarosław Kaczyński was present in the Sejm. Journalists asked him about various issues, including the decriminalisation of abortion and President Andrzej Duda's refusal to sign the bill. During this session, Kaczyński was approached by 11-year-old Sara, the youngest journalist accredited to the Polish parliament. She attempted to ask him a question, but Kaczyński rudely brushed her off and told her to leave.

Sara, an 11-year-old active on social media, shares footage of her interviews in the Sejm on Instagram and TikTok. She engages with representatives from all political spectrums, asking questions about current affairs and topics closer to her interests. Most parliamentarians are happy to speak with her and praise her interest in politics. Jarosław Kaczyński, however, is not one of them.

The issue of abortion and whether President Andrzej Duda will sign any related law is a heated topic in Polish society. Unsurprisingly, many journalists gathered around Jarosław Kaczyński to discuss it. Among them was 11-year-old Sara, who also asked a related question. Hearing it, Kaczyński remarked that abortion is not a subject children should be interested in, to which Sara replied, "There is freedom of speech in Poland." Kaczyński's response was brief: "Freedom of speech is not for children."

This is not the first time a representative of Law and Justice has dismissed Sara. In a recent TikTok video, PiS senator Jan Hamerski can be seen pushing the young journalist with the microphone away, not acknowledging her presence at all. Despite these encounters, Sara remains enthusiastic and continues to visit the Sejm to interview politicians.

Ombudswoman for Children reacts to Kaczyński's words

Monika Horna-Cieślak, the Children's Rights Ombudswoman, has commented on Jarosław Kaczyński’s controversial behaviour of PiS. She strongly criticised his attitude in a Facebook post.

It is worth noting that the PiS leader presents himself as a protector of Polish families. Does his concept of a Polish family not encompass children's right to free speech?

"As the Ombudswoman for Children, I want to stress that every child has the right to voice their opinions, ask questions, and engage in public life. This is fundamental to a democratic society that respects human rights and aims to raise informed citizens. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Poland has ratified, clearly states that children are entitled to freely express their views in all matters affecting them and that these opinions should be taken seriously," Monika Horna-Cieślak wrote on Facebook.

"Every child has the right to be heard, and their views should be considered. Their questions, concerns, and ideas are significant and deserve respect. It is the responsibility of adults to listen to children and respond to their inquiries with respect and understanding," she emphasised.