The European Parliament voted Tuesday to lift the immunity of four Polish MEPs, including Daniel Obajtek and Patryk Jaki, paving the way for potential legal proceedings.
Immunity Lifted for Four MEPs
The European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) had previously recommended lifting the immunity of PiS MEPs Daniel Obajtek and Patryk Jaki, Confederation MPs Grzegorz Braun and Tomasz Buczek on April 23rd. The vote to confirm the removal of immunity took place during a plenary session in Strasbourg.
Cases Against the MEPs
Grzegorz Braun faces charges related to blocking a road during a 2025 commemoration of the Jewish victims of the Jedwabne massacre. This is the fourth time Braun’s immunity has been lifted. Daniel Obajtek’s case concerns allegations of blocking the distribution of the weekly “NIE” featuring Pope John Paul II at Orlen gas stations.
Patryk Jaki is subject to criminal proceedings and a private indictment filed by Judge Igor Tuleya, stemming from claims that Jaki knowingly approved surveillance using the Pegasus system. The case against Confederation MEP Tomasz Buczek involves an incident during an election night where he allegedly snatched a megaphone from a critical participant.
Obajtek’s Response
Daniel Obajtek stated he would make the same decision again regarding the withdrawal of the “NIE” weekly, asserting he was defending religious feelings and Pope John Paul II. He argued that Orlen, as a company serving millions, must consider its customers’ sensitivities, referencing Polish law regarding offense to religious feelings.
Obajtek also claimed evidence in his case is of unknown origin and fabricated, yet the European Parliament proceeded with the vote. He vowed to fight the decision despite acknowledging an uneven playing field.
Parliamentary Procedure and Implications
The European Parliament removes immunity with a simple majority vote. Lifting immunity does not equate to a conviction, but allows national courts to pursue investigations or trials. If convicted, the decision to invalidate an MEP’s mandate rests with the member state.
New Immunity Request for Kamiński
A request to lift the immunity of PiS MEP Mariusz Kamiński was submitted to the European Parliament on Monday. The request, made by Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek, relates to Kamiński’s actions as head of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) between 2007-2009.
Allegations Against Kamiński
The allegations concern claims that Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski purchased a house in Kazimierz Dolny through a proxy. The investigation focuses on suspicions that Kamiński overstepped his authority by ordering operational activities without factual or legal basis. This is a continuation of the long-running “Kazimierz villa” case.
Kamiński responded by claiming the CBA is obligated to investigate the assets of those in power, accusing a “liberal-post-communist establishment” of seeking to remain untouchable and criticizing the investigation into his own affairs.
Previous Immunity Ruling for Kamiński and Wąsik
In April 2025, the European Parliament previously lifted the immunity of Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik, his former deputy at the CBA and MSWiA, regarding their failure to comply with a court ruling imposing a five-year ban on holding public office and a two-year prison sentence.
