Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, currently in Budapest for a EU rule‑of‑law conference, faces a parliamentary vote next week to lift his parliamentary immunity and allow his arrest.
Ziobro Says He Stayed in Poland, Not Flew
On Thursday, Ziobro told TV Republika that he had not fled Poland; he was invited to an EU rule‑of‑law conference in Hungary and found himself there. He added that the Polish prosecutor, he claims, launched a politically driven case with a false request to lift his immunity.
Zurek Explains Enforcement Procedures
On RadioZET in late October, Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek said that if an international arrest warrant or Interpol Red Notice exists, the authorities will pursue the suspect as any other person. He noted that lifting immunity would necessitate a court decision, and then standard procedures would apply.
Matecki Calls for Heavy Police Action
PiS MP Dariusz Matecki said on TV Republika that former minister Ziobro faces more legal scrutiny than foreign agents or mafia. He also suggested that if a ‘shadow hunter’ attempted to detain Ziobro while he had asylum in Hungary, Hungarian services should neutralise the intruder.
Former Police Officer on International Arrest
Marcin Mikszawy, a former officer of the Central Police Investigation Bureau, told FAKT that Polish officers cannot arrest someone abroad without the host country’s cooperation. He warned that unilateral action would breach international law and could be seen as aggression. He stressed that such arrests require extradition requests, Interpol notices, or joint operations with foreign authorities.
Prosecution Seeks Immunity Lift and Arrest
In October, prosecutor general Waldemar Zurek submitted to Sejm Marshal Szymon Hołownia a request to lift Ziobro’s immunity and approve his arrest. The request concerns allegations of 26 crimes, including misappropriation of justice fund money and alleged leadership of a criminal group.
