High-profile trial began January 21 in Warsaw against Father Michał Olszewski and five others over alleged Justice Fund abuses, with supporters holding “Stop Repressions” protests outside.
Trial Commencement
The trial started on Wednesday, January 21, after 10:30. Six individuals are on trial, including Father Michał Olszewski, president of the Profeto Foundation, and two former Ministry of Justice officials: Urszula D. and Karolina K. The case is one of the first indictments in a major investigation into Justice Fund misuse. Judge Justyna Koska-Janusz is presiding. Subsequent hearings are scheduled for January 28, February 10, and February 17.
Supporters of Father Olszewski gathered outside court with flags and posters bearing messages like “Stop political repressions,” “Solidarity with Karolina,” and “Solidarity with Father Michał.” Protesters also carried crosses and rosaries.
Court Composition Controversy
Before the trial, defense attorneys raised objections to the court’s composition, noting Judge Koska-Janusz’s past dispute with Zbigniew Ziobro, who may testify in the case. The defense also challenged the replacement of lay judges, arguing it violated the principle of random selection. The court rejected these claims, stating changes were procedural due to unavailability of originally selected lay judges. Despite this, defense attorneys have consistently requested postponement until February 17 and a return to random selection of judicial members.
Profeto Foundation Funds
According to prosecutors, the Profeto Foundation received over 66 million złoty from the Justice Fund, with total awarded funds potentially reaching 98 million złoty. The money was allocated for the “Archipelago – islands free from violence” project, which involved building a victim assistance center in Warsaw. However, investigators concluded the foundation failed to meet formal and substantive requirements, and the project’s implementation deviated from the fund’s purpose of supporting crime victims and post-penitentiary aid.
Charges Against Olszewski: Criminal Group and Money Laundering
Prosecutors accuse Father Olszewski of participating in an organized criminal group, acting to the detriment of the State Treasury on a large scale, and money laundering. The indictment describes a mechanism involving land lease agreements and transfers of 3.65 million złoty between entities, which prosecutors allege obscured the funds’ origin. The former justice ministry officials also face charges of participating in an organized criminal group, accused jointly with Olszewski of securing the grant.
The accused deny guilt, stating the case is politically motivated. Olszewski’s attendance was unexpected due to reported health issues, though defense attorney Krzysztof Wąsowski noted his presence was mandatory under summons. Wąsowski indicated Olszewski is unfit to provide extensive explanations and requested judicial support for medical assessment.
Justice Fund Investigation
Olszewski’s trial pertains to the period when Zbigniew Ziobro led the Ministry of Justice. Ziobro is a suspect in the Justice Fund investigation and is currently in Hungary, having obtained international protection. The probe involves other ministry officials. This trial is among the first to scrutinize fund spending involving hundreds of millions of złoty over years. The Ministry of Justice demanded the Profeto Foundation repay funds in March of the previous year. Investigators allege Father Olszewski met with then-Justice Minister Ziobro 36 times before the grant announcement, as revealed by former Justice Fund Director Tomasz Mraz’s disclosures and recordings.