Dorota Krzysztofek (born 1980)[1] is a Polish glamour model from Szczecin modeling for men's magazines such as CKM.[2] She is known for winning a court battle in 2008–2009 that reasserted women's right to sunbathe topless on public beaches in Poland.[3]

In mid May 2008 Krzysztofek – along with her female companion – were fined by local municipal officials for sunbathing topless at a public recreation area known as the Arkonka beach (pictured).[4] Both women refused to pay the fine and took the matter to Civil Court in Szczecin. Their first September hearing had to be postponed due to remarkable media interest. On 7 November 2008 judge Beata Szczepańska upheld the city staff decision, and charged the women with indecent exposure, explaining that their personal freedoms cannot encroach on the freedoms of families with children who frequent the same recreation spot. Although topless sunbathing is not prohibited, the judge ordered the two defendants to pay a fine of 230 zlotys (150 zlotys by different source,[1] or €40, $55) for breaking the rules of conduct. In her decision judge Szczepańska also reprimanded the women and said that it is not up to them to teach youngsters human anatomy. However, the court decision was appealed by Krzysztofek's female friend soon afterwards, with the plea of not guilty.[3][5]

Arkonka beach, recreation park and pool in Szczecin

The appellate court declared both women to be innocent,[6] because the city staff were unable to prove that anyone at the beach was indignant or scandalized by their nudity, and no complaint was ever filed, or even reported. On the contrary, some visitors stood up to their defense. There were no signs at the beach against what is otherwise legal.[1] The appellate court’s decision was binding, but – as noted by journalist Magda Hartman – it also created an aura of ambivalence since topless sunbathing in public was therefore declared acceptable but only if no other sunbathers (including families with children) formally object to it.[3][7]

References

  1. 1 2 3 AFP (November 7, 2008). "Polish court reprimands topless sunbathers". France 24 (after AFP News Briefs). Archived from the original on January 10, 2009. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Dorota Krzysztofek". Galerie (in Polish). CKM. 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2012. CKM photo session. {{cite web}}: External link in |quote= (help)
  3. 1 2 3 Magda Hartman (February 4, 2009). "Sąd: w Polsce wolno chodzić topless! (Court: you can go topless in Poland)". Polityka, Prawdy, Emocje (in Polish). Pardon. Archived from the original on February 2, 2011. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  4. ↑ Andrzej Kulej (August 6, 2008). "W obronie topless pójdzie nawet do Strasburga". Artykuły (in Polish). Gazeta Wyborcza, Szczecin. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  5. ↑ Attu editorial. "Polish court reprimands topless sunbathers". Attuworld.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved July 22, 2012. Dorota Krzysztofek from Poland busted for topless sunbathing. CKM Gallery. {{cite web}}: External link in |quote= (help)
  6. ↑ Adam Zadworny (April 2, 2009). "Topless jest legalny" (in Polish). Gazeta Wyborcza, Szczecin. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  7. ↑ Jamie Stokes (February 5, 2009). "Topless women soften Polish court (entertainment, photo credit: Getty Images)". Polandian. Understanding Poland. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
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