After three years, the prosecution unexpectedly supported a motion to dismiss charges against the former transport minister.
Unexpected shift in proceedings
The indictment against Sławomir Nowak, former transport minister in Donald Tusk’s government, was filed in January 2022. Prosecutors alleged he accepted money in exchange for positions in state-owned companies, with similar charges against managers and former executives of those firms. After over three years of waiting, the first hearing in Warsaw’s Mokotów District Court saw a sudden reversal: defense attorney Beata Czechowicz filed a motion to dismiss, and prosecutor Małgorzata Ceregra-Dmoch surprisingly supported it. The Warsaw prosecutor’s spokesperson, Piotr Antoni Skiba, explained this was based on a prior case analysis by Ceregra-Dmoch, but declined to elaborate on its findings.
Questionable credibility of key witness
The decision to discredit Jacek P.’s testimony—Nowak’s longtime associate—has sparked controversy. His statements initially formed the basis for the “Polish” charges. In 2022, the court deemed his testimony credible, sentencing him to a suspended term as a protected witness. However, prosecutors now argue his statements lack sufficient evidentiary value. “Is Jacek P. credible regarding Ukrainian bribes but not regarding positions in state companies?” asks Rzeczpospolita. Prosecutors claim the two cases differ in evidence quantity and quality, with the court case supported by additional proof.
Court delays raise eyebrows
Rzeczpospolita notes the court took 3.5 years to recognize the lack of grounds for prosecution. The decision was justified by an assessor citing “obvious lack of factual basis for the charges.” The publication emphasizes this “cardinal error” was identified only after an unusually prolonged period.
Prosecutors express outrage
The dismissal has drawn sharp criticism from prosecutors, who maintain the charges were unfounded from the start. As Rzeczpospolita highlights, the “Polish” case’s dismissal means alleged corruption in Tusk’s first government will not be publicly scrutinized. Meanwhile, the main trial regarding the Ukrainian aspect of the scandal continues, with Jacek P.’s status as a witness in that case unchallenged.
