Poland’s Prosecutor’s Office requests immunity removal for former deputy justice minister Michał Woś over alleged irregular promotions in Prison Service.
Prosecutor’s Office Details Promotion Irregularities
Spokesperson for the Prosecutor General Anna Adamiak stated that during Woś’s tenure as deputy minister supervising the Prison Service, appointments were made in violation of the law. The prosecutor concluded this constituted an abuse of power and failure to fulfill duties by the then Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice.
“One-Day Promotion System” Established
The Prosecutor’s Office found that a one-day promotion system was created in the Prison Service during Woś’s tenure. Adamiak provided the example of a retired ABW officer who, on December 15, 2022, was appointed as an advisor to the director general of the Prison Service in the rank of colonel, despite lacking previous experience and violating regulations.
Three Promotions in a Single Day
The second example involved a retired police officer appointed as director of the Prison Service’s Internal Inspectorate on June 1, 2023. On the same day, this individual received three promotions: to captain, then major, and was appointed deputy head of the Internal Inspectorate. These findings demonstrate that three promotion ranks could be obtained in a single day.
Prosecutor General Seeks Criminal Liability for Woś
On Monday, Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek submitted a request to the Marshal of the Sejm for permission to bring Michał Woś to criminal liability. The request concerns alleged irregularities in the Prison Service between February 2, 2021, and November 7, 2023, including improper hiring and premature granting of officer ranks.
Woś Defends Actions, Calls It “Political Theater”
Former deputy justice minister Michał Woś responded on X, stating that if Prime Minister Tusk and Prosecutor General Żurek believe new accusations will silence him, they are mistaken. Woś claimed every personnel decision was prepared by professional staff and verified for legal compliance before his signature, adding, “The law was observed. The rest is political theater.”
