Warsaw court delays decision on corruption suspect’s arrest until February 5 as Hungary grants political asylum.
Court Hearing Postponed
On Thursday (January 15), the District Court for Warsaw-Mokotów postponed the hearing on the arrest of Zbigniew Ziobra until February 5. The prosecutor’s office requested this measure, which the Sejm had previously approved.
Investigators want to present the former justice minister with 26 charges, including leading an organized criminal group that allegedly embezzled money from the Justice Fund. Zbigniew Ziobro is currently in Hungary.
Justice Minister Reacts
Waldemar Żurek commented on the postponement. “Let’s patiently wait for the court’s decision. After eight years of Z. Ziobra heading the Ministry of Justice, all citizens, including the honorable member of parliament himself, must wait a long time for the resolution of their affairs,” wrote the minister.
“We must reform the system so as to significantly shorten the waiting time for court decisions and verdicts. Simply for justice,” he added.
Critics Call for Arrest
Former MP Stefan Niesiołowski commented on the matter. “The circus with Ziobra’s arrest continues. The case is being postponed, and the district court is setting a new date. This is mockery and a game for time.”
“Ziobro is responsible for destroying the rule of law, corruption, eight years of regime and is babbling about persecution. When will this vile, corrupt coward finally end up in jail?” he asked.
Hungarian Opposition Reacts
A few days ago, Zbigniew Ziobro announced that he had received political asylum from the Hungarian government. “I choose to fight political banditry and lawlessness. I resist the advancing dictatorship,” wrote the PiS MP.
Meanwhile, the main party of the Hungarian opposition issued a short statement. “Under the rule of the TISZA party, Hungary will no longer be a refuge for foreign criminals,” it was written.