Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski announced on the X platform: “At the request of the National Prosecutor's Office, I canceled the diplomatic passport of Zbigniew Z.” This decision was made in the context of the charges that the prosecutor's office wants to bring against the former Minister of Justice. They concern, among others: management of the Justice Fund and alleged management of an organized criminal group.
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Charges and request for arrest
The National Prosecutor's Office formulated 26 charges against Ziobro, including rigging grant competitions and misappropriation of funds amounting to over PLN 143 million. The Sejm revoked the MP's immunity on November 7 this year, which paved the way for his detention and possible arrest. On the same day, the prosecutor issued a decision to present charges and forcibly bring Ziobro by the Internal Security Agency.
According to the spokesman of the National Prosecutor's Office, Przemysław Nowak, the arrest is necessary due to fear of escape, the possibility of obstructing the proceedings and the threat of severe punishment. The prosecutor noted that the suspect was currently in Hungary, which made his arrest impossible. If the court consents to arrest, the prosecutor's office may apply for a European Arrest Warrant.
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Ziobro: “It's political revenge”
The former Minister of Justice referred to the case on the X platform, claiming that the prosecutor's request was “Tusk's pure revenge for the investigations revealing gigantic theft in his entourage.” Ziobro emphasized that all decisions related to the Justice Fund were consistent with the laws and the allegations were politically motivated.
Before submitting the application to the Sejm, the prosecutor's office sought the opinion of an oncologist expert, who assessed that Ziobro's health condition allowed him to carry out procedural activities. Meanwhile, PiS MPs claim that the former minister is unable to serve detention for health reasons. Proc. Nowak, however, assured that if there is evidence of Ziobro's inability to participate in the proceedings, the prosecutor's office will refrain from applying for arrest.
