Poland has initiated significant actions against former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro by revoking his diplomatic passport amid serious allegations of abuse of power. This development coincides with prosecutors aiming to arrest him on a staggering 26 charges, which include leading an organized criminal group. Currently residing in Hungary, Ziobro is contemplating the possible pursuit of political asylum, following the example of his deputy, Marcin Romanowski, who has also had his diplomatic and private passports annulled.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced the passport revocation on social media platform X, highlighting that this measure is part of the National Prosecutor’s Office’s efforts to uphold accountability. The situation is further complicated by rising speculation regarding whether Ziobro possesses a regular passport, which would allow him travel outside the Schengen zone of the European Union.
The former minister faces grave accusations concerning the misappropriation of funds from the Justice Fund, a program designed to assist victims of crime. Allegedly, he misused these resources to acquire the controversial Pegasus spyware, purportedly employed against political opponents. Ziobro, however, claims he is the target of a vendetta orchestrated by the government due to his earlier attempts to combat corruption connected to associates of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
In light of the allegations, Ziobro has offered to be interviewed in Hungary or Belgium, where his wife is employed, but Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek has dismissed this proposal, asserting that he cannot dictate terms to the prosecutors. If Ziobro continues to evade returning to Poland, he is likely to face a European Arrest Warrant, echoing the situation of Romanowski, who remains in Hungary under granted asylum.
The relationship between Hungary and Poland further complicates this issue, as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed support for Ziobro, alleging that the Polish government is conducting a “political witch hunt.”
The unfolding scenario illustrates the ongoing tensions within Poland’s political arena, especially regarding issues of accountability and governance. This case highlights the fragile balance of power within the region, revealing the complexities that emerge when political affiliations intersect with legal proceedings. As the situation evolves, it may reshape the discourse surrounding corruption and justice in Poland, emphasizing the importance of maintaining democratic principles in a politically charged atmosphere.