Former KRRiT Head Faces Prosecution Over Illegal Political Financing

Former National Broadcasting Council Chairman Maciej Ś. has been charged with illegal financing of PiS and Solidarna Polska parties, with prosecutors imposing travel bans following an investigation by the Rzeszów Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutorial Charges and Travel Restrictions

The Rzeszów Regional Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged the former head of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT), Maciej Ś., with illegal financing of political parties, specifically PiS and Solidarna Polska. Authorities have imposed a travel ban on the suspect as a preventive measure.

Maciej Ś. is the second individual charged in this case. Cezary J., a former member of the Polish National Foundation (PFN), was charged on Tuesday evening and is also subject to a travel ban and the surrender of his passport.

The Polish National Foundation and the “Fair Courts” Campaign

The investigation centers on the “Fair Courts” campaign, which was funded by the Polish National Foundation. According to Regional Prosecutor Jaromir Rybczak, the allegations involve the misuse of funds for political marketing services rather than direct financial transfers.

The “Fair Courts” campaign featured billboards, television spots, and internet advertisements containing controversial slogans targeting judges, such as “A drunk judge caused a brawl in a club” or “A judge may lie with impunity.” These materials appeared during periods of public protest against judicial reforms, raising significant questions regarding the legality of using PFN resources for such initiatives.

CBA Intervention

Agents from the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) detained both Maciej Ś. and Cezary J. on Tuesday as part of the ongoing investigation into the financial practices of the foundation.