Romanowski’s Lawyer Cuts Short Transnistria Speculation Over Safe Conduct Request

Marcin Romanowski’s attorney confirms his client filed for a safe conduct letter from outside the EU, while prosecutors and police verify the documents and location.

Safe Conduct Request Filed from Transnistria

Marcin Romanowski’s application arrived in court last week, on Tuesday, August 4. The correspondence was sent from Tiraspol in Transnistria, a separatist region of Moldova. The Law and Justice politician stated in this letter that he would appear before the court or prosecutor on the condition that he is not arrested, requesting a safe conduct letter. The reporting judge will decide on this matter after reviewing the files and the prosecutor’s position.

National Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Prosecutor Przemysław Nowak confirmed that the prosecution received a copy of the application, adding that the document is signed personally by Romanowski. The PiS MP also stated that he legally holds a passport issued under a different identity, similar to crown witnesses, to move freely outside the European Union.

Doubt Cast Over Sender and Location

At the same time, a representative of the National Prosecutor’s Office admitted on Wednesday afternoon, August 12, in conversation with journalists, that there is no certainty the letter was actually sent by the PiS MP. Nowak explained that while there is a general presumption of document credibility and the signature is similar, it was not the subject of a handwriting analysis.

The fact that someone sent such a letter from that specific location does not mean Mr. Romanowski is actually there, PiS MP Przemysław Czarnek commented on Wednesday evening in Polsat News’ “Gość Wydarzeń”, adding that anyone could have sent it.

Attorney Confirms Client’s Statement and Address

Attorney Bartosz Lewandowski, representing the PiS politician, confirmed around 10:22 PM on Wednesday that his client submitted the application for a safe conduct letter and a statement regarding his stay outside the European Union. Lewandowski stated that the National Prosecutor’s Office has Marcin Romanowski’s correspondence address and his statement, thereby cutting short all speculation and doubts.

He expressed hope that the District Court will consider all arguments and issue Marcin Romanowski a safe conduct letter so he can clarify the matter on fair terms in Poland rather than in an investigation driven by the political expectations of those in power and Silni Razem.

Status of Transnistria and Police Verification

Transnistria is a separatist region of Moldova that renounced subordination to the authorities in Chișinău in the 1990s. Following a brief war accompanied by Russian intervention, Transnistria won almost complete independence, featuring its own president, army, security forces, tax offices, and currency. Its independence has not been recognized by any state, including Russia, though the latter supports it economically and politically.

Rmf24.pl reported on Thursday morning that Polish police officers want to confirm whether Marcin Romanowski actually lives at the indicated address. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau of Police and the Warsaw Police Headquarters asked the International Police Cooperation Bureau at the National Police Headquarters to send a request to Chișinău, where local law enforcement could confirm the PiS MP’s whereabouts.

Justice Fund Charges and International Context

Former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski faces charges in an investigation concerning irregularities in the Justice Fund. The prosecution accuses him of participating in an organized criminal group and rigging tenders using money from the fund, allegedly involving instructing subordinate employees on which entities should win grants.

The politician was also accused of ordering the correction of erroneous bids before submission and allowing grants to be awarded to entities that failed to meet formal and material requirements. The PiS MP does not admit to wrongdoing.

In December 2024, Marcin Romanowski, much like Zbigniew Ziobro, received protection from the Hungarian government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. After Peter Magyar came to power in the country this year, Hungary revoked the refugee status of Romanowski, former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, and his wife Patrycja Kotecka-Ziobro. Ziobro is currently staying in the United States, and an extradition request was sent to the US at the end of July.