Polish prosecutors have annulled former justice minister Romanowski’s passports and reject the idea of questioning political rival Ziobro abroad, amid charges of misconduct with the Justice Fund.
New Developments Regarding Romanowski and Ziobro
Polish prosecutors rejected Ziobro’s proposal to interrogate him at a Polish consulate in Brussels or Budapest. Investigators plan to bring 26 charges against the former justice minister for irregularities in managing the Justice Fund and seek his provisional arrest so a European arrest warrant can be issued; the court will decide on the arrest.
Interrogation Abroad “Not an Option”
Prosecutor Przemysław Nowak said that an international interrogation of Ziobro is not feasible, citing the risk of repeating the case of former deputy justice minister Marcin Romanowski, who fled to Hungary and obtained political asylum after facing similar charges.
Cancelled Passports
Romanowski is the subject of a European Arrest Warrant. After his escape, prosecutors petitioned to annul his two passports – a diplomatic and an ordinary one – to prevent travel out of the Schengen area. The decision was based on passport law and the prosecutor’s request. Ziobro has been in Hungary for weeks, with media suggesting his departure was due to concerns about potential provocation linked to his arrest. Prosecutors say his presence in Poland is essential for the proper conduct of the case.
Abolition of Immunity and Arrest Request
Last week the Sejm lifted Ziobro’s parliamentary immunity, authorizing his arrest and temporary detention. Investigators intend to charge him with 26 abuses related to the Justice Fund, and the prosecutor filed an application for his detention with the court on Thursday.
