The article analyses one of the most heavily criticised amendments to the Penal Code, which entered into force on 1 October 2023. It concerns the court's ability to prohibit convicts serving life sentences from applying for conditional release. Paragraphs 3 and 4, which were added to Article 77 of the Penal Code, indicate detailed conditions under which the prohibition may be imposed. Such a legal solution is contrary to the purpose of imposing a prison sentence, but also to the prohibition of cruel and inhuman punishment. As a consequence, the amended legal provision remains in contradiction with both the norms of Polish law and the regulations of international law.