Zbigniew Ziobro, former justice minister, attended his ninth scheduled hearing, which began after his forced arrival by police.
Ziobro’s Testimony Begins
This is the ninth attempt to question the former justice minister. Previous hearings failed due to Ziobro’s medical exemptions or challenges to the commission’s legitimacy. In one case, police escorted him to the Sejm, but the commission had already adjourned. On Monday, September 29, after 12:00 PM, the session began with Ziobro present. He repeatedly tried to interrupt Chairwoman Magdalena Sroca, who reminded him to refrain from speaking out of turn. After about 15 minutes, Ziobro spoke, but his microphone was initially muted. He criticized the commission, calling it a “pseudo-commission,” before being cut off. Sroca asked if he understood the instructions, to which he replied, “Yes.” He then took an oath.
Ziobro Claims Unlawful Detention
Ziobro attempted to deliver a statement, but Sroca allowed only a free speech segment. He filed a motion to dismiss all commission members, arguing its illegality. After legal consultation, this was denied. He then requested Sroca’s removal, which also failed. Ziobro claimed he was unlawfully detained and stripped of his freedom, citing his role in the Pegasus software purchase, which he defended as justified, including its use in the case of Sławomir Nowak.
Police Detention Before Hearing
On Monday, September 29, at 10:20 AM, Ziobro was detained by police at Warsaw’s airport before boarding a plane. Officers enforced a court order to bring him to the hearing. Ziobro argued that the Constitutional Tribunal ruled his detention illegal, but police insisted they were following a court order.