The name of Michał Sopiński, former rector-commandant of the Justice Academy (Akademia Wymiaru Sprawiedliwości, AWS), is frequently being searched on Google on Tuesday, 27 October. We recall the confirmed facts about his dismissal and the dispute over the university’s leadership.
Michał Sopiński headed the Justice Academy from March 2023. Previously he was an activist of Solidarna Polska and an official in the ministry headed by Zbigniew Ziobro. His term was to last until 2028.
Dismissal and the dispute over control of the university
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek dismissed Sopiński from the post of rector-commandant. The ministry cited three reasons: irregularities in awarding doctoral degrees, demonstrative political activity, and a threat to the probation officer training programme. The administrative proceedings had been running since March 2026. After the case was reconsidered, the minister upheld the decision on 9 September. According to Żurek, the decision is final.
Sopiński contested the dismissal and declared that he was still performing the duties of rector. The ministry entrusted the duties of rector-commandant to Dr. hab. Sławomir Cudak. A row broke out at the entrance to the university building, and the prosecutor’s office opened two investigations into the unlawful entry onto AWS premises, concerning disturbance of domestic peace. Sopiński also filed a notification against Cudak. According to RMF24, on 16 September Cudak dismissed Sopiński from his job at the university, and Deputy Minister Maria Ejchart cited a „serious breach of basic employee obligations”. Sopiński called Cudak a „usurper”.
Elections to the university Senate
The ministry also questioned the elections to the university Senate announced by Sopiński. In Ejchart’s view, they can „only be called a sham election” – as reported by Wprost.
Allegations against Sopiński
An account by a student alleging inappropriate remarks by Sopiński is circulating online. As of publication, these allegations have not been confirmed in any statement by the university, the prosecutor’s office or the justice ministry. It is also unknown whether any proceedings have been initiated in this matter. The allegations are merely one person’s account, and Sopiński has not been charged or convicted of anything.
What it means
For AWS students and staff, it still is not clear who runs the university: the ministry recognises Cudak, while Sopiński and his supporters challenge that decision. Only the courts or the prosecutor’s office can settle the matter.
