Prosecutors are raising alarms over a potential government plan to liquidate courts and prosecutors’ offices in smaller Polish municipalities, based on staffing and caseload criteria.
Criteria for Liquidating Small District Prosecutor’s Offices
The liquidation of small district prosecutor’s offices is reportedly being considered based on criteria including fewer than 5 prosecutors, location in towns without county rights, absence of a district court in the locality, and a monthly caseload of under 20.5 cases per prosecutor.
Union Voices Strong Opposition
The Main Council of the Trade Union of Prosecutors and Prosecutors’ Office Employees (ZZPiPPRP) has expressed strong opposition to the potential closures, warning of “destruction of state structures” in smaller urban centers. The union also points to parallel plans to close small courts.
The union argues that such closures would pose a threat to the security of local communities, particularly in the context of international conflicts, increased migration, and rising foreign crime. They draw parallels to ongoing closures in the healthcare system.
Concerns Raised at Prosecutors’ Meeting
The ZZPiPPRP states it received concerning signals from a meeting of functional prosecutors, indicating that work is underway within the National Prosecutor’s Office to liquidate small district prosecutor’s offices, overseen by Jarosław Onyszczuk, director of the PK presidential office.
Union Seeks Answers from Justice Minister
The union has sent nine questions to Justice Minister and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek, inquiring about the origin of the plans, the number of units affected, and whether consultations were held with local governments, regional prosecutors, court presidents, and law enforcement agencies.
The ZZPiPPRP also requested information regarding the anticipated savings from the closures of small district prosecutor’s offices and courts, emphasizing the social importance of maintaining access to justice.
Opposition from Court Presidents
The union reports that presidents of district courts have already expressed their opposition to the planned closures.
