Poland’s District Court imposed a seven‑day temporary arrest on Ukrainian citizen Volodymyr Z., detained on 30 September 2025, following a European Arrest Warrant issued by the German Federal Court.
District Court Approves Temporary Arrest
On 30 September 2025, law enforcement officers in Pruszków detained Volodymyr Z., a Ukrainian national, under a European Arrest Warrant issued by the German Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe. The Warsaw District Court, Criminal Division VIII, accepted the prosecutor’s application and imposed a seven‑day temporary arrest.
Documents Submitted for the Case
Prosecutors received several key documents: Form A in English, the European Arrest Warrant drafted in German, and a statement from the International Police Cooperation Office of the Main Police Headquarters, all dated 30 September 2025. The prosecutor confirmed that these submissions led to the court’s decision.
German Investigations and Alleged Crimes
German authorities are pursuing the accused for suspected sabotage, causing an explosion in a building, and arson. These acts correspond to § 88(1)(3), § 305(1), and § 308(1) of the German Criminal Code and are mapped to articles 163 (1)(1), 165 (1)(3) and 254a of the Polish Penal Code.
Accused’s Non‑Consent and Court Instructions
During interrogation, Volodymyr Z. declined to provide statements. Prosecutor Skiba noted that the accused was informed of the option to consent to release and to waive the principle of specialty, but he did not give such consent.
Legal Basis and Risk Assessment for Detention
The issuance of the European Arrest Warrant constitutes an independent ground for temporary detention. The court’s basis for a seven‑day hold—pending receipt of the original warrant and its Polish translation—rests on the nature of the alleged crime and a concern that the accused might obstruct proceedings or flee abroad, potentially facing up to 15 years’ imprisonment under Polish law.
Subject’s Status in Poland and Transfer Decision
Investigations show that Volodymyr Z. has a permanent residence in Poland, holds a permanent residence card, lives with his family and runs a business. No obligatory grounds for refusing the order, as specified in article 607p §§ 1 and 2 of the Penal Code, were identified. The prosecutor stated that the decision to transfer the individual to German authorities will occur only after the German side fulfills formal requirements.
