Poland has taken decisive action against former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, revoking his diplomatic passport amid allegations of abuse of power. The announcement comes as prosecutors seek his arrest on a staggering 26 charges, including leading an organized criminal group. Currently residing in Hungary, Ziobro is considering following in the footsteps of his deputy, Marcin Romanowski, who has sought political asylum after also having his diplomatic and private passports annulled.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski shared the news on X, indicating that the annulment is part of efforts by the National Prosecutor’s Office to ensure accountability. The situation is complicated by the fact that it remains unclear whether Ziobro retains his regular passport, which could facilitate his travel outside the European Union’s Schengen zone.
Ziobro faces severe accusations of misappropriating funds from the Justice Fund, a program intended to support crime victims. Notably, he allegedly used these funds to procure the controversial Pegasus spyware, which is said to have been utilized against political adversaries. In response to these claims, Ziobro asserts that he is the target of a government-led vendetta due to his previous actions aimed at tackling corruption linked to associates of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
While Ziobro has proposed to be interrogated in Hungary or Belgium, where his wife works, Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek has rejected this suggestion, emphasizing that he cannot dictate terms to prosecutors. Should Ziobro continue to evade return to Poland, he will likely face a European Arrest Warrant, already issued for Romanowski, who remains in Hungary due to his granted asylum.
Ties between Hungary and Poland further complicate the matter. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently expressed solidarity with Ziobro, suggesting that the current Polish government is conducting a “political witch hunt.”
This case reflects ongoing tensions within Poland’s political landscape, particularly as it confronts issues of accountability and governance. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power within the region, illuminating the challenges that arise when political allegiances intersect with legal scrutiny. As these events develop, they could potentially reshape the narrative around corruption and justice in Poland, highlighting the necessity of upholding democratic principles amidst politically charged environments.