Szejna Warns of High Rejection Risk for Romanowski’s Safe Conduct Request

Former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski has submitted a safe conduct request to the Warsaw District Court from Transnistria, prompting warnings from Polish officials over Russian influence and evasion risks.

Safe Conduct Request Filed from Transnistria

An application for a safe conduct letter from former Deputy Justice Minister and PiS MP Marcin Romanowski has been submitted to the Warsaw District Court, according to criminal court spokesperson Judge Anna Ptaszek. The issuance of a safe conduct letter is tied to the revocation of temporary detention. Ptaszek stated that the letter and envelope indicate the shipment was sent from Tiraspol in Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova supported by Russia.

Leftist MP and former Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna noted in an interview with PAP that while he prefers not to comment deeply as a politician, as a lawyer he believes there is a high risk the application will be rejected due to Romanowski’s prolonged and malicious evasion of justice.

Concerns Over Russian Influence and Verification

According to Szejna, mailing the letter from Transnistria suggests that Romanowski is sheltering within an area of Russian influence. He questioned whether Romanowski is actually in Transnistria or if it is a decoy, noting that someone else could have sent the letter on his behalf.

Szejna added that if Romanowski were on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, judicial cooperation would be activated immediately, whereas cooperation involving Transnistria is very difficult. He also stated that if Romanowski is indeed in Transnistria, he could face additional allegations of cooperating with the Russian Federation alongside his current charges in Poland, creating serious problems for Law and Justice.

Background of the Investigation and Asylum Status

Hungary has revoked the political asylum of Romanowski, who remains a suspect in the Justice Fund investigation. The prosecutor’s office accuses him of participating in an organized criminal group and rigging competitions for funds from the Justice Fund. The Warsaw District Court issued a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) and an arrest warrant for Romanowski after law enforcement could not locate him.

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, it was revealed on December 19, 2024, that Romanowski had obtained political asylum in Hungary. In early July of this year, it was reported that Hungary revoked his refugee status and invalidated his travel documents. Since the change of government in Hungary in May of this year, the media has reported various unofficial details regarding Romanowski’s possible whereabouts.