Poland’s chief prosecutor has moved to detain former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro after voting to strip him of immunity, citing concerns he may obstruct the trial.
Decision to bring Ziobro to prosecution
After a vote removing Zbigniew Ziobro’s parliamentary immunity, prosecutors announced a ruling to present him with 26 criminal charges and to detain him for forceful appearance at the National Prosecutor’s Office to participate in procedural actions.
26 charges outlined
The charges relate to actions taken by Ziobro between 2017 and 2023 while serving as justice minister, including abuse of authority, neglect of official duties, direct manipulation of public tenders, allowing contracts by unqualified persons, tolerating the granting of funds to organisations not meeting formal requirements, and concealing documents.
Prosecutor cites fear of obstruction
Prosecutors say the detention order was justified by a justified worry that the suspect might not appear at court summons and thereby hamper the criminal proceeding, including the filing of charges.
Ziobro’s statement from Budapest
Following the immunity vote, Ziobro said he would not stay in Budapest indefinitely and was there to be able to defend his position freely, addressing only selected right‑wing TV stations.
Possible asylum inquiry
He was asked whether he would seek political asylum in Viktor Orbán’s Hungary, like former deputy Marcin Romanowski. Ziobro replied he would not disclose plans at present to avoid informing his opponents.
