Ministry of Justice Makes It Easier to Report Bias-Motivated Crimes
The Ministry of Justice and the Prosecutor General have released practical materials designed to make it easier for citizens to report bias-motivated crimes. This package includes a template for reporting suspected criminal offenses and a preparatory checklist that helps organize information and evidence before visiting the police. The initiative aims to lower the procedural and psychological barriers faced by victims, enabling them to more effectively pursue their rights.
Increased Interest and Number of Cases
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of cases involving bias-motivated crimes. In 2024, 1,940 such cases were registered, whereas in 2025, this figure increased to 2,606, representing a rise of approximately 34%. This dynamic trend continues in the current year, with 1,401 cases already recorded in the first half of 2026. These data indicate the growing scale of the problem and the need for efficient responses from law enforcement authorities.
New Prosecutorial Specialization
To cope with the growing number of proceedings, a specialized structure within the prosecutor's office has been operating since March 2026. It comprises 103 prosecutors distributed across 50 units nationwide. Their task is to handle cases of bias-motivated crimes according to unified standards. From February to June 2026, specialized prosecutors filed 283 indictments in such cases with the courts. The work of law enforcement bodies is based, among other things, on the guidelines issued by the Prosecutor General on March 5, 2025, which regulate, among other things, methods of evidence preservation, including digital evidence.
Training and Inter-Agency Cooperation
Combating bias-motivated crimes also requires improving the competencies of agency employees. Over 400 prosecutors, judges, and assistants have already been trained, as have over 600 police officers and 300 Border Guard officers. Countering these phenomena is one of the priorities of the Chief of Police for the years 2026–2028. The Team of Advisors to the Prosecutor General is also involved in these activities, bringing together the knowledge of lawyers, scientists, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.