“I Apologize”: Tusk Criticizes Court Ruling on Ziobro

During a visit to Paris, Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the Warsaw Regional Court’s decision to reject an European Arrest Warrant for former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro.

Communication gaps in the judiciary

The Prime Minister stated it is frustrating that coordination between the prosecution and the court appears ineffective. He noted the court rejected the warrant because Ziobro’s current whereabouts in Europe remain officially unconfirmed.

Tusk argued that these formal disputes overshadow the state’s fundamental duty to pursue suspected criminals, including former politicians, and acknowledged that the justice system still requires significant reform.

Structural constraints on reforms

According to Tusk, Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek and his predecessor, Adam Bodnar, are effectively trapped by their inability to fundamentally restructure the prosecutor’s office.

The Prime Minister emphasized that key changes require presidential approval due to laws established by the previous PiS administration, which he considers unconstitutional. He added that Minister Żurek appears to have his hands tied by these existing regulations.

The case against Ziobro

Zbigniew Ziobro faces allegations related to irregularities in the Justice Fund during the PiS government, including leading an organized criminal group and abuse of power. Prosecutors allege he committed 26 offenses, such as pressuring subordinates to grant illegal funds.

Following a court-ordered arrest in February, a wanted list was issued. Ziobro initially stayed in Hungary under international protection but later announced he had relocated to the USA. He claims he did not flee Poland and is traveling using documentation related to his Hungarian asylum status.

Judicial next steps

Monday’s court ruling denying the European Arrest Warrant cannot be appealed. However, the prosecutor’s office may resubmit the request once they have reviewed the court’s written justification for the decision.