President Nawrocki’s office is moving to declassify an annex to a report on the Military Intelligence Services (WSI), despite reservations from Jarosław Kaczyński.
Report on the Liquidation of the WSI
On April 23rd, the President’s spokesperson announced the transfer of an annex to the report on the liquidation of the Military Intelligence Services to the Speakers of the Sejm and Senate for review.
Spokesperson Leśkiewicz added that after analysis by the National Security Bureau, Karol Nawrocki proceeded to the formal-legal stage “directly aimed at declassifying and making public the Annex to the Report on the Liquidation of the Military Intelligence Services.”
Kaczyński on the President’s Decision
Jarosław Kaczyński stated he does not believe the public release is a particularly important act. He echoed his late brother’s sentiment that the document contains many journalistic theses, rather than those appropriate for such a document.
Kaczyński also noted the presence of “very doubtful” and “risky, far-reaching” theses regarding their proof, speaking to journalists on April 26th during a ceremony unveiling the President Lech Kaczyński roundabout.
Background: The WSI Report
The report of the so-called verification commission led by Antoni Macierewicz was published in 2007. The commission investigated the Military Intelligence Services, which operated from 1991 to 2006 and were liquidated by the PiS government in 2006.
Allegations and Initial Investigation
The WSI were accused of numerous irregularities, including a lack of vetting from the PRL era, tolerating espionage for Russia, involvement in the FOZZ affair, and illegal arms trafficking. Based on the report, investigations were launched into WSI crimes, but most were later dropped.
Constitutional Tribunal Ruling and Subsequent Stalling
In 2008, the Constitutional Tribunal ruled that President Kaczyński’s publication of the report was legal. However, it deemed the deprivation of individuals named in the report – before its publication – of the right to be heard by the verification commission, access to case files, and the right to appeal decisions regarding their inclusion, as unconstitutional.
The wording of the law regarding the inclusion of individuals whose “actions went beyond defense” was also deemed too vague. Following this ruling, President Kaczyński did not publish the prepared annex, stating that “too many fragments replaced facts with interpretations.” Presidents Komorowski and Duda maintained this position.
Current Efforts at Declassification
President Nawrocki’s associates have indicated he will decide on the possible declassification of the annex. Presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz signaled this possibility shortly after Nawrocki took office.