Poland’s Ministry of Justice is demanding clarification from the United States regarding reports that high-level American officials intervened to facilitate the entry of former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro into the country.
Diplomatic Inquiries Underway
Reuters reported on Monday, May 18, that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau instructed the embassy in Budapest to grant a visa to Zbigniew Ziobro. Deputy Minister Arkadiusz Myrcha stated Tuesday that this high-level involvement warrants formal verification.
The Polish Foreign Ministry has issued a diplomatic note to the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw requesting the legal basis for Ziobro’s entry. As of Tuesday, the Polish side had yet to receive a response.
Concerns Over High-Level Intervention
Myrcha highlighted significant inconsistencies, noting public reports that both the U.S. Secretary of State and the U.S. Ambassador to Poland had previously opposed the move. He emphasized that obtaining clarity on whether such decisions reached the highest levels of administration is essential.
While the ministry does not anticipate a total lack of response, Myrcha admitted that the unusual circumstances may lead to longer processing times than standard diplomatic exchanges. He added that a prompt reply would be a matter of professional courtesy.
Escape Allegations and Extradition Efforts
Deputy Foreign Minister Ignacy Niemczycki confirmed that Radosław Sikorski is in contact with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the matter. Officials affirmed that Poland will pursue extradition if a formal request is filed.
Reports also suggest Ziobro traveled from Hungary through Serbia using a vehicle belonging to former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Myrcha interpreted these actions as a sign of Ziobro’s fear of facing the Polish justice system regarding the Justice Fund investigation.