A Polish parliamentary committee voted to remove immunity from Antoni Macierewicz, paving the way for prosecution over alleged defamation of military intelligence officials.
Parliamentary Committee Approves Immunity Waiver
The Sejm’s regulatory committee on Thursday voted in favor of consenting to the removal of parliamentary immunity for Antoni Macierewicz (PiS). The request originated from the prosecutor’s office and concerns allegations of publicly insulting the leadership of the Military Counterintelligence Service.
The accusation stems from Macierewicz allegedly calling the officials “Russian agents” during a Sejm session in September 2025.
Prosecutor’s Case Details
Anna Adamiak, spokesperson for the Prosecutor General, announced the intention to request the immunity waiver at the end of January. Prosecutors allege that on September 11, 2025, during a televised Sejm debate, Macierewicz defamed Brigadier General Jarosław Stróżyk, head of the Military Counterintelligence Service, and his deputies, Colonels Krzysztof Dusza and Artur Pluto.
Macierewicz is accused of calling these officials “Russian agents” due to their positions, and of falsely accusing the SKW leadership of collaborating with Russian special services, potentially damaging their reputations and undermining public trust.
Committee Debate and Defense
The Sejm’s rules, parliamentary affairs, and immunity committee convened Thursday afternoon to consider the prosecutor’s request. During the session, Bartosz Kownacki, a PiS MP, defended Macierewicz, strongly criticizing the prosecutor’s statements and calling the request “discrediting.” He appealed for its withdrawal, arguing that the state apparatus was being used to pursue an opposition politician.
Kownacki suggested Stróżyk should pursue civil or private criminal charges instead of utilizing the prosecutor’s office, claiming it was more convenient to shift responsibility and avoid costs.
Prosecution’s Argument and Context
Warsaw Regional Prosecutor Małgorzata Adamajtys explained that Stróżyk filed a complaint alleging a reasonable suspicion of a crime based on Macierewicz’s statements. She clarified that Stróżyk filed the complaint on his own behalf and on behalf of his two deputies.
Adamajtys stated Macierewicz’s remarks could be divided into two parts: calling the SKW head and his deputies “traitors” or “Russian agents,” which is punishable under the Penal Code, and accusing the SKW leadership of collaborating with Russian services.
Prosecutor Magdalena Wiśniewska emphasized the timing of Macierewicz’s statements, noting they occurred the day after Russian drones violated Polish airspace, a moment of national concern about security.
Macierewicz’s Response
Macierewicz expressed surprise at the prosecutor’s actions, stating his remarks did not name any specific individuals but focused on a “scheme for cooperation with Russia.” He characterized the accusations as irresponsible and politically motivated.
Committee Vote and Next Steps
After asking Macierewicz and the prosecutors to leave the room and suspending the broadcast, committee chairman Jarosław Urbaniak (KO) announced the committee would recommend the Sejm approve the prosecutor’s request for immunity waiver, dated February 17, 2026.
Background of the Case
Macierewicz’s statements were made during a debate on a report presented to the Sejm by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz regarding the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones.
During the debate, Macierewicz stated, “This was not an accident, it was not an isolated incident, it was the beginning of a war. We could win this war, but if the leadership of the Military Counterintelligence Service continues to consist of Russian agents appointed by Donald Tusk in 2011…” The statement was incomplete, causing “commotion in the hall,” according to the Sejm stenogram.
Macierewicz continued, questioning how long the current leadership, who he alleged collaborated with Russian special services, would be tolerated.
The prosecution argues that Macierewicz’s baseless accusations of collaboration with the Russian Federation exceeded the limits of acceptable criticism in public debate.
