The Warsaw‑Mokotów district court postponed a decision on applying temporary arrest to former minister Zbigniew Ziobry, shifting the hearing to January 15, officials say.
Court Postpones Arrest Hearing
The Warsaw‑Mokotów district court did not decide on the National Prosecutor’s request to impose temporary arrest on Zbigniew Ziobry on Monday, December 22.
The hearing was postponed to January 15 after the investigation failed to submit parts of the requested evidence.
Prosecutor Piotr Woźniak acknowledged the court should have had full access to the documents and called the omission a mistake, noting the missing material was not material to the case outcome.
Żurek: Court Had Right
Justice Minister and Attorney General Waldemar Żurek said he was not surprised by the postponement, stating he no longer gets shocked by court rulings.
He added there was no time pressure, as Ziobry was abroad and whether the court waited a couple of weeks would not hasten proceedings.
Żurek disagreed with prosecutor Woźniak, explaining that if a request relies on evidence material, but a part of that material is not included in the request—for instance, regarding confidential documents—there is no obligation to provide it to the court.
Procedural Game Between Prosecutor and Defence
Żurek described the situation as a “procedural game of two sides,” suggesting both prosecutor and Ziobry’s lawyers had fulfilled their duties and the judge’s role is to decide without doubt.
He emphasized that speed is required to address the issue, noting the rule of law requires courts may take such action.
Ziobry in “Golden Cage”
Żurek said Ziobry remains in a “golden cage,” a situation that is becoming tighter, and that courts will eventually bring him before a judge.
He emphasized he will not act on the edge of the law, insisting that he will not ride the bandwagon even if some media commentators pressure him.
Political Fallout After Hearing Delay
The postponement led to a flurry of political commentary, with the ruling coalition asserting the decision does not determine the case’s future, expecting a ruling in January.
PiS politicians, on the other hand, accused the prosecutor’s office of compromising and hiding documents favorable to Ziobry.
Ziobry announced he would file a complaint against Waldemar Żurek, alleging he failed to fulfil duties concerning the Justice Fund.
