Police Identify Suspects in Schoolgirl Stabbing Disinformation Investigation

Polish police have identified individuals suspected of spreading false information following the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old girl in Wrocław, according to officials from the Lower Silesia Police Department.

The tragic incident, which occurred on November 23, sparked a wave of disinformation that rapidly spread across social media platforms. Much of the misinformation falsely claimed the perpetrator was a foreign national or a migrant, fueling xenophobic sentiment during an already tense period.

Police spokesman Łukasz Dutkowiak confirmed that investigators have now identified specific individuals responsible for creating and disseminating these false claims. “We have collected evidence against persons who published misleading and untruthful information about this crime,” Dutkowiak stated during a press briefing on Monday.

The suspects face serious charges under Article 255a of the Polish Criminal Code, which prohibits the public dissemination of false information that could disrupt public order or create conditions that may lead to civil unrest. If convicted, they could face up to eight years in prison.

This case highlights the growing concern over the spread of disinformation in Poland, particularly in relation to sensitive topics such as crime and immigration. In recent years, Polish authorities have become increasingly vigilant about combating false information that could potentially inflame social tensions or incite violence against minority groups.

The victim, identified only by her first name Oliwia in accordance with Polish privacy laws, was stabbed near a school in Wrocław’s Śródmieście district. The primary suspect in the murder case is a 15-year-old Polish boy who was apprehended shortly after the incident.

Police moved quickly to counter false narratives about the suspect’s identity. “The perpetrator is a Polish citizen, and we want to emphasize this fact due to the numerous false claims appearing online suggesting foreign involvement,” Dutkowiak explained.

The circulation of xenophobic narratives following the stabbing reflects broader sociopolitical tensions in Poland and across Europe. Similar patterns of disinformation have emerged following violent incidents in other European countries, often with the apparent aim of stoking anti-immigrant sentiment.

Media experts note that this case demonstrates how quickly false information can spread, particularly during emotional events such as violent crimes. Dr. Joanna Krawczyk from the University of Warsaw’s Media Studies Department commented on the phenomenon: “In the information vacuum that often follows shocking incidents, disinformation can spread rapidly as people search for explanations. Social media algorithms tend to amplify emotionally charged content, regardless of its accuracy.”

The investigation into the disinformation campaign is continuing parallel to the murder investigation itself. Authorities are examining digital evidence including social media posts, comments, and message threads to establish a complete picture of how the false narratives originated and spread.

This case comes amid broader European efforts to combat online disinformation. The European Union has implemented various measures including the Digital Services Act, which requires platforms to take more responsibility for harmful content shared on their services.

Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar has previously emphasized the need to balance free speech protections with appropriate measures against harmful disinformation. “We must distinguish between legitimate free expression and deliberate attempts to mislead the public in ways that threaten social cohesion or public safety,” Bodnar stated in a recent policy address.

Local community leaders in Wrocław have called for calm and respect for the victim’s family during this difficult time. They’ve also organized community discussions about media literacy and the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.

The police have not yet announced when formal charges will be filed against the individuals identified in the disinformation investigation, noting that evidence gathering continues as digital forensic experts analyze electronic records related to the case.