Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek denounced the annulment of the European Arrest Warrant against MP Marcin Romanowski, with prosecutors poised to appeal and his lawyer labeling the judge “cryptodictatorship.”
Minister Criticises Judge’s Annulment
Waldemar Żurek stated he disagrees with the judge’s solo, closed‑session decision to annul the European Arrest Warrant (ENA) against MP Marcin Romanowski. He cited procedural shortcomings, claiming the decision was made without informing the prosecutor’s office and that the justification was internally contradictory and in conflict with the case’s facts.
Prosecutor Calls Decision Unjustified
The prosecutor’s office said the annulment violated Article 607b of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which permits an ENA only when indispensable for justice. It added that no new facts arose, and that the court should not have changed the warrant after October 2023.
Defence Accuses “Cryptodictatorship”
Bartosz Lewandowski, Romanowski’s lawyer, criticised the judge as part of a “cryptodictatorship,” claiming the judge rejects rulings that are unfavorable and will again request an ENA while attempting to remove the judge from the case.
Romanowski’s Background and Charges
Romanowski, a PiS MP and former deputy justice minister under the same party, faces 11 accusations linked to alleged misappropriation of Justice Fund money, alleged gang involvement, fraud and the confiscation of over 100 million zlotys. INTERPOL had earlier declined to issue a red notice.
Next Steps Expected
Polish prosecutors confirmed they will file a new request for an ENA if the case returns to the same judge, arguing a need to eliminate perceived bias. They did not rule out an appeal to higher courts. The MP is no longer pursued outside Poland following the annulment.
