Polish justice minister comments on new evidence in Judge Iwańca’s alleged drunk‑driving and tree‑collision, prosecutors claim political motives, defense argues he was a passenger.
Prosecutor Releases New Details
Prosecutor spokesman Przemysław Nowak said attempts were being made to politicize the case involving Judge Jakub Iwańca. He reiterated testimony from witnesses who saw a car crash into a tree at the local police station in Rejowiec Fabryczny around 22:50 on Saturday.
Police were told the driver was likely intoxicated; witnesses claimed it was Judge Iwańca, who was later questioned and indicated he had been brought home by someone else. A blood test showed about 2 promille of alcohol.
Witness Accounts and Police Inquiry
Neighbors described knowing Iwańca and testified at the scene. The judge denied knowing the individual who supposedly drove him home, saying he could not remember the person’s name.
Alleged Transport by Colleague’s Wife
Nowak added that Iwańca had been taken from a party to his home by his colleague’s wife around 21:00—about 1½ hours before the incident—using the colleague’s car.
Justice Minister Criticises the Case
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek said he could not yet determine guilt but noted that Iwańca had been suspended from judicial duties and was not performing his role. “I sighed,” he said, acknowledging the difficulty of the matter. He apologized to Polish citizens, stating “there are no saint cows” and recalling Iwańca’s close cooperation with the PiS administration and his involvement in a “hater” affair.
Defense Attorney’s Statement
According to Onet, Iwańca is alleged to have driven drunk, struck a tree, and fled to a nearby estate. In defense, lawyer Michał Skwarzyński says Iwańca did not drive but was a passenger and was transported by other people.
He claims prosecutors sought to seize the judge’s equipment and search his residence, allegedly ignoring judicial immunity. The police seized Iwańca’s phone despite a recorded request noting the data were covered by attorney‑client privilege.
