Lublin prosecutors have launched an investigation into potential dereliction of duty by public officials regarding Sławomir Cenckiewicz’s access to a confidential National Security Council session.
Investigation Launched into Cenckiewicz’s Access
The Lublin District Prosecutor’s Office has initiated proceedings concerning the failure to fulfill duties by public officials, specifically regarding allowing Sławomir Cenckiewicz to attend a non-public portion of a National Security Council (RBN) meeting. According to the Internal Security Agency (ABW), the head of the Presidential National Security Bureau was not authorized to participate due to lacking clearance for classified information.
The investigation was initiated following questioning of a minister.
Potential Penalties for Unauthorized Access
Investigators stated in a Thursday, April 16th, statement that allowing an unauthorized individual to access information whose disclosure could harm the public interest is a crime punishable by up to three years of imprisonment.
Minister’s Referral Triggered Probe
The prosecutor’s office indicated the decision to open the investigation was made “after analyzing the evidence submitted to the prosecutor’s office and questioning the reporting Minister-Member of the Council of Ministers, Coordinator of Special Services.”
Cenckiewicz’s Prior Legal Victory
Wojciech Czuchnowski, writing on Wyborcza.pl, reported that Cenckiewicz previously won a case against the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW), but still lacks access to classified materials.
ABW’s Explanation for Denied Access
The spokesperson for the Minister-Coordinator of Special Services explained that organizers are responsible for ensuring all attendees of confidential RBN sessions possess appropriate certifications and access to classified information. They stated that Cenckiewicz did not have such access.
February RBN Meeting Focused on SAFE Loan
The National Security Council meeting convened by President Karol Nawrocki on February 11th addressed, among other topics, a loan from the SAFE program. Minister Coordinator of Special Services Tomasz Siemoniak announced an ABW investigation into Cenckiewicz’s participation in February.
Security Clearances Previously Revoked
Reports from Gazeta.pl indicate that the Military Counterintelligence Service revoked Sławomir Cenckiewicz’s security clearances, enabling access to classified information, in July 2024. Cenckiewicz filed an appeal, which was initially overturned by the Provincial Administrative Court in Warsaw on June 17th. The Prime Minister’s Office subsequently filed a cassation appeal with the Supreme Administrative Court, which was rejected on Wednesday.