Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek suspended Judge Jakub Iwaniec over serious misconduct allegations.
Suspension Announced
Waldemar Żurek announced the suspension of Judge Jakub Iwaniec on Tuesday, September 30, citing “serious misconduct” and the need to uphold legal integrity.
Żurek stated the decision was necessary, emphasizing that “we cannot turn a blind eye to blatant violations of law and breaches of judicial dignity.”
Allegations Against Judge Iwaniec
Żurek detailed Iwaniec’s alleged misconduct, including presiding over hearings without notifying prosecutors, reviewing appeals without their participation, and questioning the legitimacy of prosecutors’ decisions.
Such actions, Żurek argued, undermine legal foundations and public trust in the justice system. He also referenced Iwaniec’s controversial social media posts, which further eroded judicial impartiality.
Background: Iwaniec’s Disciplinary Case
Judge Iwaniec, of the Warsaw-Mokotów District Court, faced disciplinary charges in mid-September over his social media activity, deemed incompatible with judicial independence.
He is also suspected of involvement in the so-called “hate campaign” scandal, where a group within the Ministry of Justice allegedly discredited judges opposing PiS-led judicial reforms.
The prosecution sought to charge Iwaniec, but the Supreme Court blocked the removal of his immunity.
