Following the questioning of TV Republika editor Tomasz Sakiewicz regarding Zbigniew Ziobro’s departure to the US, Deputy Prosecutor General Tomasz Janeczek was suspended for unauthorized entry of media and politicians into the National Prosecutor’s Office.
Unauthorized Access to National Prosecutor’s Office
On Wednesday, TV Republika editor-in-chief Tomasz Sakiewicz appeared for questioning as a witness at the National Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation concerns the departure of former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro to the United States and reports that the PiS politician is to become a correspondent for the station. Spokesperson Przemysław Nowak stated that Sakiewicz declined to answer most questions, citing journalistic privilege.
During the same day, employees of TV Republika and PiS MPs entered the building and moved freely through the corridors. Justice Minister Adam Bodnar and others have emphasized the necessity of investigating whether these actions constituted assistance in the flight of a fugitive, which is a criminal offense under Polish law.
Suspension of Tomasz Janeczek
On Thursday, Prosecutor General Adam Bodnar suspended Deputy Prosecutor General for Military Affairs Tomasz Janeczek for six months. The decision followed reports that Janeczek used his identification card to grant unauthorized access to the protected zone for several individuals, including TV Republika staff and PiS parliamentarians. An internal explanatory proceeding has been launched.
Bodnar remarked that Janeczek demonstrated that party interests take precedence over national security and the dignity of his office. The National Prosecutor’s Office stated that Janeczek breached safety protocols and bypassed entry procedures, further noting that his public comments on the matter were unauthorized and outside his supervisory competence.
Zbigniew Ziobro’s Departure and Legal Status
Prok. Przemysław Nowak confirmed that Zbigniew Ziobro left Europe on May 9, traveling from Milan to the United States using a “foreign media member” visa. Ziobro is currently a suspect in the Justice Fund investigation, which involves allegations of managing an organized criminal group and abuse of power, including 26 specific criminal charges related to the improper allocation of public funds.
Ziobro, who previously sought international protection in Hungary, remains subject to an arrest warrant in Poland. Prosecutor Nowak stressed that assisting a suspect sought by an arrest warrant in avoiding legal responsibility or fleeing the country constitutes a crime.