Ziobro Did Not File for Asylum in the US
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek confirmed on Monday, June 15, that Zbigniew Ziobro has not applied for asylum in the United States, as investigations into the former minister’s travel documents...
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek confirmed on Monday, June 15, that Zbigniew Ziobro has not applied for asylum in the United States, as investigations into the former minister’s travel documents continue.
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Uncertainty Over Travel Documents
Minister Waldemar Żurek stated on TVN24 that authorities remain uncertain about which passport Zbigniew Ziobro used to travel from Hungary to the United States in May. Despite correspondence with Hungarian officials and meetings with the Prosecutor General, the documentation status remains unclear.
Żurek noted that the Hungarian administration is currently undergoing a transition, which has complicated the cooperation process. He has officially requested that Hungarian authorities verify the legal status of both Ziobro and Marcin Romanowski.
Status of Extradition and Visa Concerns
A formal extradition request for Ziobro is prepared but has not yet been submitted, as some US federal judges require a legally binding arrest warrant. Żurek expressed concern that if the Warsaw court fails to issue a temporary arrest warrant, the extradition process will face significant obstacles.
The Justice Minister also plans to contact the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. He emphasized that there should be no exceptions to the law for foreign nationals, stressing that Ziobro’s visa, reportedly obtained as a foreign media member, remains a point of contention.
The Search for Marcin Romanowski
Regarding Marcin Romanowski, who is wanted under an international arrest warrant, Żurek reported that there are several leads but no confirmed location. While rumors suggested he may have traveled through Serbia, current data in the European tracking systems does not confirm his exit from the European Union.
Legal Challenges Facing Former Ministers
Zbigniew Ziobro, who faces 26 charges related to the Justice Fund, claims political persecution and maintains his innocence. The request for his arrest remains pending as legal appeals are processed. Marcin Romanowski similarly faces 19 charges in the same case, with officials currently working to track his movements across international borders.