The European Parliament’s legal affairs committee voted Thursday to recommend lifting the immunity of Polish MEPs Grzegorz Braun, Daniel Obajtek, Tomasz Buczek, and Patryk Jaki, paving the way for potential legal proceedings.
Reasons for Potential Immunity Loss
The European Parliament’s legal committee (JURI) voted on Thursday, April 23rd, on requests to waive the immunity of Grzegorz Braun, Daniel Obajtek, Tomasz Buczek, and Patryk Jaki, a necessary step before legal action can be taken against them.
Grzegorz Braun’s Case
Grzegorz Braun (Konfederacja Korony Polskiej) could have his immunity lifted for disrupting commemorations at the Jedwabne massacre anniversary last year. A Left party MEP, Krzysztof Śmiszek, stated that blocking the road during the event commemorating the Polish Jewish victims was unacceptable.
Daniel Obajtek’s Case
The case against Daniel Obajtek (PiS) concerns alleged false testimony before a court regarding his relationship with Piotr Nisztor and the withdrawal of the weekly “Nie” from Orlen gas station kiosks. Śmiszek commented that obstructing press freedom and banning a legal publication is not well-received by European parliamentarians.
Tomasz Buczek’s Case
Tomasz Buczek (Konfederacja Sławomira Mentzena) faces a private criminal complaint from a journalist alleging he forcefully snatched her microphone. Michał Wawrykiewicz (KO), a member of the European Parliament’s legal committee, confirmed this.
Patryk Jaki’s Case
Patryk Jaki (PiS) is accused of defamation in a complaint filed by Judge Igor Tuleya. The case stems from April 2024, when Jaki claimed Tuleya knowingly approved Pegasus surveillance warrants and labeled him a “politically biased judge aligned with PO.” Tuleya denies these claims. Śmiszek stated that making strong accusations against a judge carries consequences.
Upcoming Vote and Procedure
A vote on the immunity waivers is expected next week during a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Following the vote, the cases will return to Polish prosecutors and courts.
Committee Vote and Next Steps
According to Wawrykiewicz, there was no doubt during the vote regarding the waiver of immunities. Śmiszek added that the committee overwhelmingly recommended lifting the immunities to the entire parliament. The European Parliament decides on immunity waivers with a simple majority. Waiving immunity does not imply guilt, but allows for national judicial proceedings.