On November 7, Poland’s Sejm voted to strip former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro of immunity and approve his arrest, a move sharply criticized by opposition parties.
Voting on Ziobry’s Immunity
In a 26‑vote session on Friday, 7 November, all 26 votes to lift Zbigniew Ziobro’s immunity passed with no absentees. The coalition—Conservative and Reformist Union (KO), Left, Poland 2050, and Polish People’s Party (PSL), along with Razem—voted unanimously for the motion.
A separate vote was held on each of the 26 accusations that prosecutors plan to bring against Ziobro.
Razem Declares It Will Not Join “Sheriff and Thief” Game
Razem stated it would not participate in what it called an “idiotic game of sheriffs and thieves.” The group expressed that it should not be involved in a process it saw as politically motivated.
Razem’s Spokesperson Critiques Early Arrest Vote
Mateusz Merta of Razem said that the earlier vote to authorize Ziobro’s arrest before a court summons was a mistake and a “political gift.” He argued that this vote should only take place after the judge calls the former minister to court.
Board Member Adam Kościelak Calls Decision “Ridiculous”
Adam Kościelak, a Razem board member, warned that the decision would not prevent Ziobro’s arrest and that opposition parties would use it for their political drama instead of governing.
ABW Officers Assigned to Detain Ziobro
The Minister of Special Services’ spokesperson, Jacek Dobrzyński, announced that ABW officers would execute the court decision to detain and bring Ziobro to prosecutors. At this stage, this was the only information the ministry could provide.
Previously, the Sejm Marshal handed the National Prosecutor’s Office the votes allowing the former justice minister to be held responsible, arrested, and forcefully brought to the court. Prosecutors issued a statement accusing the PiS politician of 26 offences, including abuse of power, failure to perform duties, and leading a criminal group.