04.11.2026, 17:54 (UK time)
VERDICT: FALSE. The photo of a “German police officer” at the TK was altered. The police readiness document does not concern the Tribunal – according to the Polish Police.
News
Two items linked to the dispute over Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal are circulating on social media. The first is a photo of an officer with “Polizei” on his back, described as proof that German police are operating at the TK. The second is a photo of a document from deputy national police chief Tomasz Michułek, presented as an order related to the Tribunal. According to Polsat News, on Monday 2 November the police issued a series of statements denying both claims.
Analysis
About the photo, the police wrote that it was untrue and that the image had been altered. They called the order, in the version circulating online, false. The real document concerns the readiness of units from 2 to 8 November because of the threat of sabotage and subversion, not the situation at the TK. The police urged people not to share unverified information. The dispute over the Tribunal is real and serious, but these two items are not evidence of it.
What it means
During sharp political disputes, altered photos and documents taken out of context appear quickly. They are meant to provoke fear or anger. We do not say who created them – no institution has established that.
Risk
Such materials also reach Polish groups in the UK on Facebook and WhatsApp. By sharing them, we unknowingly help spread disinformation.
What to do
- Before sharing a photo, check whether official sources (e.g. the Police account) or several reliable newsrooms have published it.
- Use reverse image search (e.g. Google Lens) to see where the photo comes from.
- If you are not sure – don’t share. It is better to wait for confirmation.
How to read this
We rely on Police statements reported by Polsat News. The dispute over the Tribunal is ongoing and the situation is changing – watch, wait and stay safe.
Contact us
Have a question or need help in Polish? Write to: [email protected], use the live chat on our website or call: 07508 267866 (Mon–Fri 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00, Sat 11:00–14:00).
Sources: Polsat News – police deny reports (2.11.2026), TVP Info – police deny reports of a “storming”.
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
Contact the editorial desk →
