Parliamentary investigators announced today they will file a prosecutor’s notice against former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobry over alleged misuse of the Justice Fund, amid concerns he might flee.
Committee Announces Charge Against Ziobry
On Wednesday before noon, members of the parliamentary Pegasus inquiry committee reported that they would submit a formal notice to the prosecutor’s office concerning former minister and current MP Zbigniew Ziobry. They stated that Ziobry bears full responsibility for the use of funds from the Justice Fund and that he failed to meet legal duties intended to aid victims of crime.
Committee chair Magdalena Sroka cited alleged violations, including Article 231 of the Polish Penal Code, which concerns abuse of power by a public official. “The era of impunity has ended,” she said. She vowed to file the notice today with supporting evidence to be forwarded to the National Prosecutor.
Potential Sentences of Up to 15 Years
Politician Tomasz Trela warned that if the coalition had not won parliament, no one would have heard about Pegasus. He urged the prosecutor to quickly press charges and write an indictment, followed by a court verdict. Trela, from the Citizens’ Coalition, indicated that Ziobry could face up to 15 years in prison for exceeding authority and neglecting duties.
He expressed concern that Ziobry might continue to influence political aides, aid those already charged, and could ultimately flee abroad forever.
Ziobry Testifies About Pegasus Purchase
On Monday, 29 September, the committee heard testimony from Ziobry, who acknowledged both political and constitutional responsibility for ordering the Pegasus system. Despite signing the contract through the former deputy justice minister, Ziobry denied that the system was used to surveil political opponents.
This was his first appearance before the committee after eight unsuccessful attempts. The ninth hearing became possible only after police secured the former minister’s presence.
