Former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro testified before a parliamentary committee, admitting he initiated the purchase of Pegasus spyware.
Ziobro’s Testimony
On Monday, former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro was questioned by a parliamentary investigative committee regarding the Pegasus spyware. Earlier, he was detained by police at Warsaw Airport and forcibly brought before the committee. Ziobro is a key witness in the case, as he oversaw the Justice Ministry, which allocated 25 million zloty from the Justice Fund to purchase the software. The ruling coalition claims the system was used during the Law and Justice government to surveil the opposition.
Admitting Involvement in Pegasus Purchase
During the hearing, Ziobro acknowledged his role in acquiring the software. “I was the initiator of transferring funds from the Justice Ministry for the purchase of Pegasus,” he stated. “I was involved in the purchase… and I am proud of it. It was used to detect international gangs,” he added.
Funding the Acquisition
Ziobro revealed he approached former Deputy Minister Michał Wos, who managed the Justice Fund, to secure financing. “I proposed to Minister Kamiński that if there was a legal way, the Justice Fund, which collects funds as a form of ‘penance for sins’ from convicted criminals, could be used,” he explained. He noted that Kamiński reportedly sought additional funding from then-Deputy Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, but these efforts failed. Ziobro then directed Wos to explore the possibility, leading to the decision to use the fund for the purchase.
Challenges in the Hearing
Monday’s hearing was the ninth attempt to question Ziobro, as previous sessions collapsed due to his medical exemptions or legal challenges. In one instance, he was escorted to the Sejm by police, but the committee adjourned before he arrived.
