WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Prosecutors in southwestern Poland say they have arrested a man on suspicion of imprisoning a woman for more than five years and abusing her physically and mentally with “particular cruelty.”
The Legnica city prosecutor said the abuse began in January 2019 and continued until last week in the village of Gajki, near Głogów.
In accordance with Polish privacy laws, the suspect has been identified only as Mateusz J., 35.
The woman, now aged 30, said she was held captive in a building with no heat, running water or a toilet, where the man repeatedly sexually and physically abused her and restricted her access to food and drink.
The man is said to have humiliated, controlled and isolated the woman, only taking her out blindfolded.
Local media in Głogów reported that the suspect had held the woman captive in a barn on his family's farm, with his elderly parents reportedly telling local news they were unaware of the situation.
The man was arrested on Tuesday after taking the woman to a hospital for treatment for a dislocated shoulder, where she informed staff of her condition.
The man is under investigation and denies any wrongdoing, according to prosecutors, and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
