On 4 November Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek announced the suspension of Mokotów district court judge Jakub Iwaniec over an alleged drunken driving incident, declaring that no one, including judges, is exempt from the law.
Justice Minister Announces Judge’s Suspension
Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek declared that Judge Jakub Iwaniec of the Mokotów district court would be suspended pending investigation into an alleged drunken driving incident.
Żurek emphasized that a disciplinary spokesperson for judges must serve as a role model, uphold the law, and pursue cases when judges breach rules, even if only ethical standards are violated.
He cited prosecutor findings that Iwaniec allegedly drove under the influence and caused a collision.
“No Holy Cows”: Universal Accountability
The minister remarked that the prosecutor had been reluctant to reveal hard evidence, but that Iwaniec’s legal representative had preemptively attacked the prosecutor.
Żurek reiterated that every person who breaks the law must face responsibility, regardless of whether they are a judge or a private individual, citing the phrase “no holy cows.”
Supreme Court Chamber Overturns Suspension
On 4 November, the Professional Responsibility Chamber of the Supreme Court annulled the Mokotów court president’s suspension, allowing Iwaniec to resume work on Wednesday.
Defenders of the judge argue that a WhatsApp group “Kasta” claimed Iwaniec was driving, whereas his lawyer says he was only a passenger following the 11 October incident in Rejowiec Fabryczny, where a vehicle allegedly driven by Iwaniec collided with a tree.
