Polish Prosecutor’s Office Charges Daniel Obajtek Over “Nie” Magazine Ban and Court Testimony

Former Orlen CEO and MEP Daniel Obajtek faces two criminal charges from the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office, defiantly declaring he is proud of the decisions.

Two Charges Presented to Daniel Obajtek

The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw summoned Daniel Obajtek to present him with a total of two charges. These involve the withdrawal in March 2023, while he served as CEO of Orlen, of an issue of the “Nie” weekly from all Orlen sales points, and the suspicion of giving false testimony in court regarding his acquaintance with journalist Piotr Nisztor.

Gathered PiS representatives and supporters awaited the MEP outside the prosecutor’s office. Obajtek stated that he refused to give explanations and does not plead guilty to the targeted accusations, pointing out that the prosecutor had recently been promoted prior to bringing the charges.

Obajtek Defends Actions and Criticizes Charges

Obajtek repeatedly emphasized that he is proud of the charges, dismissing the allegation concerning journalist Piotr Nisztor as unfounded, nonsensical, and unserious. He maintained a similar stance regarding the “Nie” weekly, expressing pride in that decision as well.

The court testimony case originated from a private prosecution notice filed by journalist Grzegorz Jakubowski before the Warsaw-Śródmieście District Court. Jakubowski alleged that Obajtek lied during his court testimony on May 11, 2023, referencing a 2018 audio recording published by Onet in March 2024 that allegedly indicated informal contacts between Obajtek and Nisztor contrary to what was testified in court.

Eavesdropping Investigation and European Parliament Immunity Waiver

Onet revealed that Obajtek had a wiretap installed in his office while heading Orlen, and uncovered a 2018 recording of his conversation with Nisztor. According to Onet, Nisztor asked Obajtek for a job for his wife, and the two discussed political topics, including matters inconvenient for the then-ruling PiS government.

Regarding the breach of security and installation of listening devices in the Orlen CEO’s office, the prosecutor’s office issued a decision on June 28 of this year to refuse to initiate an investigation based on the lack of a committed crime or insufficient data. Independently, the Warsaw district prosecutor’s office pursued the proceedings against Obajtek regarding false testimony.

The European Parliament waived Obajtek’s immunity in both matters in April of this year. Commenting at the time, the MEP referenced religious feelings legislation, arguing that in Tusk’s Poland, responsibility fell on him rather than the publisher of the controversial weekly.

Supporters Gather Outside Prosecutor’s Office

Ahead of the scheduled hearing, PiS representatives—including party vice-president Przemysław Czarnek, Antoni Macierewicz, Dariusz Matecki, Michał Woś, and Waldemar Buda—alongside party supporters, gathered outside the prosecutor’s office to demonstrate support. One attendee shouted support, praising Daniel Obajtek.

The former Orlen CEO thanked the crowd for their support, stating that anyone with a shred of dignity would act as he did because there is no consent in Poland to desecrate religious symbols. Obajtek emphasized that he belongs to the “JP2 generation,” called John Paul II the greatest of Poles, and asserted that no tabloid will print covers harming John Paul II or desecrating the cross. He added that he would make such decisions many times over and that the “Nie” newspaper should be standing before the prosecutor instead.

Czarnek Alleges Political Revenge

Obajtek dismissed the second charge as absurd, noting that the prosecution’s request to the European Parliament described the recordings as being of unknown origin and potentially montaged. He claimed the proceedings are purely an act of revenge directed against him because Piotr Nisztor tracks government affairs.

Przemysław Czarnek also addressed the crowd prior to the hearing, stating that authorities wanted to press charges against Daniel Obajtek for saving Polish identity. The PiS vice-president told those gathered to look to Daniel Obajtek as an example of how to be a good Pole and to oppose evil.