TV Republika director Michał Rachoń is to stand trial for traffic offenses after chasing former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro’s vehicle last year.
The Original Incident
On January 31 of last year, former Minister of Justice Zbigniew Ziobro was arrested by police at TV Republika’s Warsaw headquarters during an operation to bring him before a parliamentary investigative committee on Pegasus. As Ziobro’s car departed, Michał Rachoń, the network’s programming director, pursued it on foot.
Legal Charges Filed
Last month, TV Republika’s Blask online.pl portal reported Rachoń would stand trial. The Capital City Police Headquarters’ Road Traffic Department confirmed it would seek court prosecution for two violations: walking on the roadway despite sidewalk availability and using an electronic device while crossing the street. Police emphasized officers could not ignore the case due to legal obligations.
Police Investigation Details
A Warsaw resident filed the complaint in mid-February 2023 after viewing Rachoń’s video footage showing him and another man running along Tłomackie Street to al. Solidarności, then 50 meters eastward on the roadway. Despite multiple summons attempts, Rachoń failed to appear for interrogation. His legal representative cited scheduling conflicts but provided no alternative dates.
Court Proceedings
The case reached Warsaw-Śródmieście District Court on January 14, charging Rachoń under Article 97 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to 3,000 zł fine or reprimand. Police noted the offense had “low social harmfulness” but stressed the investigation was mandatory to uphold equal application of law before the statute of limitations expired.