Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro denies surrendering to political asylum in Hungary; his party’s officials urge him to face charges and the Sejm moves to strip him of parliamentary immunity.
Ziobro Denies Seeking Political Asylum in Hungary
Zbigniew Ziobro recently traveled to Hungary but has rejected rumors that he applied for political asylum there. Unofficial reports emerged after his Budapest visit at the beginning of the week and in connection with prosecutor’s actions.
Former Justice Minister Szczucki Criticizes Polish Judicial System
Former Justice Minister Krzysztof Szczucki told Polish Radio that a fair trial is currently impossible in Poland. He said it would be better if Ziobro confronted all the challenges and took part in the proceedings, exposing their flaws. Szczucki added that the decision ultimately lies with Ziobro and that a temporary arrest is unnecessary.
Wójcik Defends Ziobro’s Presence in Hungary and Blames Weak Institutions
MP Michał Wójcik explained that Ziobro headed to Hungary two weeks ago, then received a call from Viktor Orbán. Wójcik said the extended stay was due to a productive meeting, and that Ziobro’s choice is his own. He emphasized that the past two years built a regime with a non‑functioning Constitutional Tribunal, no national prosecutor, and unreliable courts, leaving citizens unsafe.
Wójcik Claims Regime Aims to Impose Arrest on Ziobro
When asked what he would advise Ziobro, Wójcik stated he would not do so and that Ziobro knows best what to do. He argued that the ruling bloc seeks to arrest, humiliate, and destroy him, citing that they simply hate him. According to Wójcik, Ziobro is the top target, and the regime wants him behind bars to satisfy fanatics.
Sejm Seeks to Lift Ziobro’s Immunity
On Friday 31 October, the Sejm Secretariat delivered to Ziobro a request to remove his parliamentary immunity. The prosecutor had requested this on Tuesday, including permission to detain and arrest the former justice minister. Chair of the procedural committee, Jarosław Urbaniak, said the committee will meet on Thursday 6 November.
Prosecutor Pursues 26‑Charge Arrest of Ziobro
The prosecutor wants to arrest Ziobro on 26 charges, including abuse of power, failure to fulfil duties and leading an organized crime group. The lawmaker denies guilt. After the immunity removal request was sent to the Sejm by the general prosecutor, the parliament’s lawyers reviewed it formally and forwarded it to the procedural committee. The document was also sent to Ziobro with a marshal’s letter, giving him three days to waive his immunity.
Former Deputy Marcin Romanowski Granted Asylum in Hungary
It should be noted that Ziobro’s former deputy, accused of abusing the Justice Fund, Marcin Romanowski, received political asylum in Hungary last year.