On 7 November, Poland’s Sejm voted to strip former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro of parliamentary immunity and allow his detention and temporary arrest.
Sejm Decides to Strip Ziobro of Immunity
Voting on Ziobro’s immunity request took place on 7 November during the Sejm’s final sessions. Deputies voted separately on each accusation the prosecution seeks to level against him, ultimately approving removal of his immunity and his detention.
The motion passed with 244 votes in favor and 198 against. The required majority of 231 was met. Members of the ruling PiS party tried unsuccessfully to persuade colleagues from the PSL to vote against the detention of the former minister.
Where Is Ziobro?
Former minister Zbigniew Ziobro is currently in Hungary, where he has declared that he is not hiding from Polish authorities and has not applied for asylum. He told the Hungarian Center for Fundamental Rights on Thursday that he can freely comment on the “absurd” accusations made by the prosecutor’s office, and that he would like to return to Poland but fears for his health.
Prosecution Charges Against Ziobro
The National Prosecutor’s Office seeks to lift Ziobro’s parliamentary immunity and has requested his detention and temporary arrest. Charges include leading an organized criminal group, exceeding powers, failing duties, and misusing the Justice Fund.
According to spokesperson Anna Adamiak, the request is based on investigations by Team 2 into irregularities in the Justice Fund’s spending. Ziobro faces 26 alleged crimes, including allegations that the fund was used for political or personal purposes and that money was directed to groups linked to former Solidarity Poland. Prosecutors say he abused his position by directing colleagues to award grants to chosen recipients.
Eleven people have testified in the investigation, including former ministry officials and Ziobro’s associates. Former Minister Michał Woś is among those suspected.
