On Monday, Warsaw prosecutors announced that parliamentary speaker Szymon Hołowni failed to appear at a court interview on 10 October, labeling his absence a sign of disrespect.
Prosecutor Records Letter from Hołowni’s Lawyer
The interview had been scheduled for 11 a.m. on 10 October. A written notification from the lawyer of parliament speaker Szymon Hołowni was received in the Warsaw district prosecutor’s office, explaining the witness’s absence. The lawyer challenged the necessity of answering questions from individuals deemed unqualified for the proceeding.
Letter Deemed a Lack of Respect
Prosecutors argue that both the lawyer and the witness unilaterally asserted the right to determine who could be considered a victim in the case, thereby overstepping the powers of the prosecutor. They describe the submission as an affront not only to the prosecutor’s office but also to the parties that attended the interview, including representatives of the Constitutional Tribunal.
Parliament Office’s Statement on Hołowni’s Interview
The Sejm Office confirmed that Hołowni had indeed been interviewed on 10 October and that he answered all questions posed by a qualified prosecutor. He declined to allow participants from the Constitutional Tribunal and the National Judicial Council, citing a legal opinion that those bodies lack victim status. Additionally, he noted his participation in an overseas visit on the same day of the interview.
Hołowni’s Remarks on Alleged ‘Coup’
In July, Hołowni told Polsat News that “a coup” had been repeatedly proposed to him, characterising the situation as a potential coup, though he acknowledged it may not meet legal criteria. He further stated that dissatisfaction with the election outcome does not justify suspending the state or re‑holding elections.
Notification Filed by the National Judicial Council
The request for Hołowni’s hearing was submitted on behalf of the National Judicial Council by Mr. Bartosz Lewandowski. The petition is part of a Warsaw prosecutor’s investigation into the alleged coup. A prior notice regarding the alleged coup was filed a few months earlier by TKBogdan Święczkowski, the chair of the Constitutional Tribunal.
Upcoming Hearings Set for December
Prosecutors have scheduled two additional hearings for Hołowni on 12 and 17 December.
