Prosecutors are seeking to lift the parliamentary immunity of Deputy Speaker Szymon Hołownia and MEP Michał Koboski in a probe into alleged degree fraud at Collegium Humanum.
Investigation into Alleged Degree Sales
On May 3rd, journalists from tvn24.pl and “Superwizjera” reported that prosecutors investigating the Collegium Humanum affair are preparing requests to waive the parliamentary immunity of Deputy Speaker Szymon Hołownia and MEP Michał Koboski.
Hołownia’s Response to Immunity Request
Hołownia was questioned in the Sejm on Tuesday regarding his response should such a request be submitted. He stated he would first read the request, if submitted, and then decide on his next steps.
Allegations of Political Motivation
The Deputy Speaker described the case as “very strange” and alleged it was instigated by prosecutors linked to the PiS party. He specifically named Tomasz Tadla, a prosecutor nominated by Zbigniew Ziobro, who oversaw the prosecution office in Katowice, claiming they “fabricated these things.”
The Collegium Humanum Affair
The scandal initially surfaced following publications by “Newsweek” in 2022, revealing that the university allegedly sold MBA degrees en masse, often without requiring actual course attendance, enabling politicians and local government officials to secure positions on the supervisory boards of state-owned companies.
Hołownia Denies Studying at Collegium Humanum
Hołownia maintains he was never a student at Collegium Humanum, despite intending to enroll. He stated he submitted documents and an application, possibly signing an enrollment form, but did not study there, pay any fees, make any agreements, attend classes, or meet the university’s rector.
He also asserted he never presented himself as having a higher education degree.
“Newsweek” Claims Contradict Hołownia’s Account
According to “Newsweek,” Hołownia was formally enrolled at Collegium Humanum, having signed an enrollment document. “Newsweek’s” sources indicate he “never studied” but allegedly received a master’s degree, with grades reportedly entered by former rector Paweł Cz.