Court Denies European Arrest Warrant for Ziobro; Giertych and Ministry Weigh Next Steps
The Warsaw Regional Court has refused to issue a European Arrest Warrant for Zbigniew Ziobro, citing his current residence in the United States and the lack of evidence of EU travel plans....
The Warsaw Regional Court has refused to issue a European Arrest Warrant for Zbigniew Ziobro, citing his current residence in the United States and the lack of evidence of EU travel plans.
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Court’s Decision on EAW
Warsaw Regional Court spokesperson Anna Ptaszek announced on Monday, July 13, that the court rejected the request for a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) against Zbigniew Ziobro. The court ruled that there was no proof Ziobro currently resides in the EU or intends to travel there in the near future. A similar request for an arrest warrant in the United Kingdom was also denied on identical grounds.
Giertych’s Legal Assessment
Roman Giertych, a member of the Civic Coalition, defended the court’s decision on X, stating the judges were 100 percent correct given Ziobro’s move to the U.S. He noted that Article 607a of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires evidence of presence in the EU for such measures.
Giertych suggested that, as a lawyer, he would have recommended suspending the proceedings until a premise for the warrant arises, rather than waiting for a new request. He remarked, however, that he would not interfere with the independence of the Prosecutor’s Office.
Ministry of Justice Responds
Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek announced that the government is considering filing a new EAW application. He argued that since Ziobro could potentially fly to Brussels or Budapest at any time, a warrant must be ready to ensure authorities can effectively pursue those suspected of breaking the law.
Reactions from Opposition Politicians
PiS MPs Dariusz Matecki and Michał Wójcik criticized the government’s efforts. Matecki claimed the court’s rejection would anger Donald Tusk, while Wójcik labeled the denial of the EAW request as a legal defeat for the current administration.
Background of the Charges
The prosecutor’s office has brought 26 charges against Zbigniew Ziobro regarding irregularities in the Justice Fund during the PiS government’s term. Allegations include leading an organized criminal group. Ziobro maintains his innocence and claims he is the victim of a political witch hunt.