The National Prosecutor’s Office has fined TV Republika CEO Tomasz Sakiewicz 3,000 PLN after he refused to testify regarding the potential employment of suspect Zbigniew Ziobro.
Investigation into Obstruction of Justice
Tomasz Sakiewicz was summoned to the National Prosecutor’s Office last Wednesday as a witness. The inquiry concerns the Justice Fund investigation, specifically regarding potential obstruction of justice and aiding a suspect in evading legal responsibility, including assistance in fleeing the country.
Investigators questioned Sakiewicz about Zbigniew Ziobro, the former Minister of Justice who is a suspect in the Justice Fund case, and his new role as a political commentator for TV Republika.
Prosecutor’s Rationale for the Fine
National Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Przemysław Nowak confirmed on Monday that a decision was made to fine Sakiewicz 3,000 PLN. The prosecutor stated that Sakiewicz refused to answer questions without providing a valid legal basis for his silence.
The Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that Sakiewicz was summoned in his capacity as the CEO of Telewizja Republika S.A., not as a journalist. They clarified that the questioning did not pertain to matters protected by journalistic privilege.
Sakiewicz’s Defense and Political Claims
Sakiewicz argued that the summons he received addressed different matters than those pursued by investigators. He maintained that he was called to testify regarding alleged administrative offenses committed by Ziobro years ago, rather than the current investigation into employment and potential aiding in a flight from justice.
In a statement recorded during his broadcast, Sakiewicz rejected the claim that he helped Ziobro flee. He insisted that the former minister’s movements are legal and that his presence in the United States is subject to American authority, concluding that there is no crime and no escape to investigate.
Status of the Justice Fund Case
Zbigniew Ziobro, a suspect in the Justice Fund investigation, is accused of leading an organized criminal group and misusing his ministerial position. Prosecutors allege he committed 26 offenses, including ordering subordinates to break the law to ensure grants were awarded to specific entities.
Following a parliamentary decision to strip his immunity and a subsequent court ruling approving his temporary arrest, a warrant and a request for a European Arrest Warrant were issued for Ziobro, who has confirmed he is currently in the United States.