MEP Patryk Jaki has dismissed the prosecutor’s request to waive his immunity and authorize his detention as a politically motivated distraction, labeling the criminal allegations against him as entirely absurd.
Defending Routine Personnel Decisions
During a press conference, Patryk Jaki argued that the prosecution’s move is a transparent attempt to divert attention from government difficulties. He rejected claims that his ministerial personnel decisions were criminal, stating that such actions are standard procedure for any minister.
Jaki mocked the premise that issuing a personnel appointment could constitute a crime. He questioned whether, by the prosecution’s logic, every official appointment made by government ministers could now be classified as a “crime of appointment.”
Allegations of Procedural Impropriety
The case centers on the reassignment of a prison service officer. The prosecution claims the move was not justified by service needs, but Jaki insists the matter was a routine internal transfer analyzed and approved by legal counsel within the Ministry of Justice.
Jaki also contested the prosecution’s claim that the officer was under disciplinary proceedings at the time of the promotion, noting that the case was eventually resolved legally in the officer’s favor. He questioned why this critical context was omitted from the official public announcement.
A Pattern of Politically Charged Investigations
Comparing his situation to those of other Law and Justice (PiS) politicians, including Jarosław Kaczyński and Zbigniew Ziobro, Jaki characterized the request as part of a broader campaign. He suggested that the current administration overlooks its own controversial hiring practices while targeting opposition members over administrative transfers.
The prosecutor general has officially submitted the request to the European Parliament, seeking consent for criminal proceedings, detention, and forced apprehension. Prosecutors claim evidence suggests the officer received an unauthorized promotion and pay raise, and that the detention request was filed as a precautionary measure to ensure the suspect’s appearance.