The Warsaw Court of Appeals awarded Roman Giertych 35,000 PLN in compensation for a lawful arrest by the Central Anti-Extortion Bureau on October 15.
Court Decision
The Warsaw Court of Appeals, in a final ruling on Wednesday, October 15, ordered the Central Anti-Extortion Bureau (CBA) to pay Roman Giertych 35,000 PLN as compensation for a lawful arrest. The decision was based on a finding that no wrongdoing justified the detention.
Giertych’s Reactions
Giertych spoke on his YouTube channel, noting that the court correctly recognized the absence of misconduct. He recounted that he was publicly detained on courthouse steps where he worked as a lawyer, followed by media “attacks.” He accused General Prosecutor Zbigniew Ziobro of publicly insulting him over a fabricated accusation.
He described the 35,000‑PLN amount as one of the highest ever awarded for a two‑day lawful detainment. Giertych announced he would seek to recover the money from the prosecutors who ordered the arrest, urging Minister Żurka to ensure the funds return to the state treasury from private assets of those who wrongfully detained him. Initially, he requested 500,000 PLN to be earmarked for a social cause.
Legal Background: Polnord Case
The Regional Prosecutor in Poznan charged Giertych in 2020 with embezzlement of funds, significant financial damage to the company Polnord, and money laundering. He had served as the company’s lawyer. The case began in the early 2000s, was previously dropped by prosecutors, and was revived under the direction of Zbigniew Ziobro and Bogdan Święczkowski, as reported by journalist Wojciech Czuchnowski.
Critique of Investigation Process
When the CBA escorted Giertych to his home for a search, he was injured and hospitalized. Prosecutor Błażej Biedulski alleged that the detective read the charge to an unconscious suspect, describing the march as “absolutely feigned.” The incident highlights concerns over the conduct of the investigation.
