A poll released on November 15 shows that 60.9% of respondents view former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro’s time in Budapest negatively, amid ongoing legal proceedings for alleged abuse of the Justice Fund.
Former Justice Minister in Budapest Under Legal Scrutiny
Ziobro is in Budapest. Since leaving Poland two weeks ago, the Sejm has agreed to lift his parliamentary immunity, arrest him, and place him in temporary detention. Investigators plan to charge him with 26 allegations concerning abuses in the Justice Fund. He has said he will attend legal proceedings from a Polish diplomatic office in Brussels or Budapest. Prosecutor‑spokesperson Przemysław Nowak stated that no special circumstances justify international legal assistance, so Ziobro will be questioned in Poland.
Public Opinion on Ziobro’s Conduct
Commissioned by Rzeczpospolita, SW Research conducted a survey asking participants to evaluate Ziobro’s conduct while he was in Hungary during the Sejm’s decision on his immunity. Sixty‑point‑nine percent gave a negative evaluation; 17.4% were positive, 15.7% had no opinion, and 6.1% claimed to know nothing about the case. More women (62.1%) judged his actions negatively than men (59.6%). Only 14.4% of women and 20.6% of men were positive. The results were disclosed on November 15; the sample size was not revealed.
Prosecutor Seeks Three‑Month Detention
Przemysław Nowak outlined three grounds for a motion to detain Ziobro for three months. First, a flight risk, since Ziobro has no permanent residence in Poland and is currently in Hungary. Second, a risk of wrongdoing, based on media statements from Ziobro that threaten, and because one charge alleges he leads a criminal organization. Third, the threat of a severe penalty, with some allegations carrying up to 25 years’ imprisonment.
Health Considerations for Possible Detention
Nowak said that if Ziobro’s cancer condition makes imprisonment impossible, the prosecutor’s office will abandon the temporary detention request. Based on current evidence, the suspect’s health is deemed good, and he may participate in proceedings. The prosecutor’s office added that if he is detained, he will first be examined by a doctor; if the doctor decides he cannot be isolated, he will be released immediately.
