Poland Sejm Votes on Former Justice Minister’s Immunity Over Fraud Claims
On Thursday, the Polish Sejm committee is set to deliberate the parliamentary immunity of Zbigniew Ziobro, the former Justice Minister. This decision comes amid serious allegations involving organized crime and substantial financial misconduct.
Background on the Allegations Against Zbigniew Ziobro
Zbigniew Ziobro is alleged to have led a criminal organization that misallocated more than €35 million from the Justice Fund. This fund was intended for various governmental uses, including purchasing the Pegasus surveillance system. The National Prosecutor’s Office in Poland is poised to file 26 charges against him.
Details of the Investigation
The accusations assert that the organized criminal group operated within the Ministry of Justice and favored entities connected to Ziobro. A comprehensive 158-page document has been submitted to the Speaker of the Parliament detailing these claims.
- Funds Misappropriated: Approximately 150 million zloty (around €35 million) were allegedly directed towards the Pegasus system.
- Supporting Evidence: The investigation includes various forms of evidence:
- Official documents, both public and undisclosed
- Memory sticks from ministry employees
- Meeting schedules of Ziobro
- Recorded conversations between former officials
- Electronic correspondence
- Findings from the Supreme Audit Office
- Witness statements and suspect interviews
Political Reactions and Next Steps
Current Justice Minister and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek initiated the motion to waive Ziobro’s immunity, enabling potential detention and arrest linked to the abuse of Justice Fund grants. The parliamentary affairs committee will convene on Thursday, followed by a vote on Friday regarding the immunity waiver.
Ziobro’s Defense and Claims
In response to the allegations, Ziobro has categorically denied any wrongdoing. He lodged a formal complaint asserting that the immunity waiver motion was signed by unauthorized individuals, contending that the actions taken by Żurek and Prosecutor Piotr Woźniak were legally ineffective.
Support from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
Recently, Ziobro met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who publicly expressed support for him. Orbán criticized the Polish government for its actions against Ziobro, highlighting the situation’s perceived injustice on social media.
In commentary regarding the meeting, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked on Orbán’s backing, suggesting Ziobro’s potential arrest could either happen in Poland or lead him to seek refuge in Budapest.
The unfolding situation continues to attract significant attention both domestically and internationally, reflecting on broader implications for Poland’s political landscape.
