Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek said Zbigniew Ziobro’s conduct is cowardly and, after a Polsat News interview, clarified that his remark about transporting Ziobro in a trunk was merely rhetorical.
Żurek Calls Ziobro a Coward
Minister Waldemar Żurek said in an interview with Onet that Zbigniew Ziobro’s conduct is “cowardice,” accusing the opposition leader of adopting a sheriff‑like posture. He noted that the nation has free media and courts and that he adheres to procedure.
Minister Refuses Regret, Frames Statement Rhetorically
On 9 December at Polsat News, Żurek was asked whether he regretted his words. He answered no and explained that the remark was a rhetorical figure, not meant to be taken literally.
Żurek on State Apparatus and International Practices
Żurek said that state services worldwide employ various methods to apprehend wanted persons, sometimes bordering on the edge of law. He stressed that while he does not support such actions, he recognizes that governments sometimes need to take extraordinary measures.
Minister Expresses Compassion but Upholds Duty
He added that he feels sympathy for Ziobro, who has endured a serious illness, but that he must carry out his responsibilities and show citizens that illness cannot serve as an excuse.
Background: Ziobro, Legal Context, and Party Event
On 5 December Law and Justice invited Ziobro to give a statement at the party headquarters in Warsaw, although he had been abroad in Hungary and later seen in Brussels. The statement was remote, with Żurek noting that he would appear in the country within a few dozen hours. He outlined conditions tied to judicial reforms, including the restoration of random case allocation to judges and the reinstatement of judicial and prosecutorial authority.
