Polish National Prosecutor Dariusz Korneluk has filed a private criminal complaint against former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, alleging defamation and seeking a one-year suspended prison sentence.
Korneluk Files Defamation Suit Against Ziobro
National Prosecutor Dariusz Korneluk announced he filed a private criminal complaint against former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, alleging defamation. The complaint centers on Ziobro’s characterization of Korneluk as a “party operative.”
Korneluk informed TVP Info on Monday of his decision to pursue the case, stating Ziobro defamed and insulted him, as well as indirectly many other prosecutors.
Ziobro’s Accusations and Korneluk’s Response
The complaint stems from statements made by Ziobro, including remarks from December of last year during a PiS press conference. Ziobro claimed Prime Minister Donald Tusk appointed Korneluk as a “party operative” rather than a legitimate National Prosecutor.
Ziobro further alleged Korneluk’s role was to halt investigations into alleged corruption involving individuals connected to Tusk, while simultaneously initiating politically motivated cases against opposition figures.
Korneluk countered that Ziobro’s statements constitute criminal offenses under Articles 212 and 216 of the Polish Criminal Code, concerning defamation and insult, and that he had no doubt about the validity of the charges when he first heard them.
Ziobro’s Counterclaims and Immunity Request
Ziobro responded on X (formerly Twitter), dismissing the label of “party operative” as an understatement, claiming Korneluk is a “full-fledged member of an organized criminal group” that illegally seized control of the National Prosecutor’s Office.
He accused the group of covering up corruption involving prominent PO (Platforma Obywatelska) politicians like Giertych, Nowak, and Grodzki, and of fabricating charges against political opponents.
Call for Accountability and Parliamentary Procedure
Korneluk expressed hope that Ziobro would face him in court, stating, “Let’s see who is right.” He also indicated his legal representative submitted a request to the Sejm (Polish Parliament) to lift Ziobro’s parliamentary immunity.
Korneluk seeks a public apology from Ziobro and a donation of 30,000 PLN to the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, in addition to the one-year suspended prison sentence.
Korneluk emphasized the case extends beyond his personal reputation, encompassing the honor of numerous other prosecutors frequently targeted by Ziobro’s remarks.