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🇫🇷 France /Crime & Justice

Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro Confirms Presence in the US Amid Extradition Concerns

From Le Figaro · (4h ago) French Critical tone

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro confirmed he is in the United States, having previously sought refuge in Hungary.
  • Ziobro faces up to 25 years in prison in Poland for alleged embezzlement of funds intended for crime victims to purchase Pegasus spyware.
  • Poland's Justice Minister stated that the country will seek clarification from the US and Hungary regarding the legal basis for Ziobro's entry into the US and will request his extradition if necessary.

Zbigniew Ziobro, the former Polish Minister of Justice and a key figure in the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, has confirmed his presence in the United States, marking a new chapter in his legal troubles. Ziobro, who is facing serious charges in Poland, including allegations of embezzling funds to acquire the Pegasus spyware for political surveillance, had previously found a temporary haven in Hungary under Viktor Orbán's government.

Je suis aux États-Unis

— Zbigniew ZiobroConfirming his presence in the United States to Polish television.

His confirmation of being in the US, reported by conservative Polish media, comes after reports of his arrival at Newark airport. This move has prompted swift reactions from the current Polish government. Poland's Justice Minister, Waldemar Zurek, announced that Warsaw will contact both the US and Hungary to understand the legal grounds that allowed Ziobro to enter the United States, especially since his travel documents have reportedly been revoked.

La Hongrie ne sera plus une décharge pour criminels recherchés à l'international

— Péter MagyarThe new Hungarian Prime Minister stated Hungary would no longer offer refuge to internationally wanted individuals, mentioning Ziobro by name.

Ziobro vehemently denies the accusations, labeling them a "witch hunt" by the current centrist administration. However, Poland remains determined to see him face justice. Minister Zurek reiterated Poland's commitment to holding Ziobro and another former official, Marcin Romanowski, accountable for their alleged crimes. The potential extradition request signifies Poland's resolve to pursue legal action against its former high-ranking officials, regardless of their international location, reflecting a significant political and legal standoff.

S’ils veulent lancer une procédure d’extradition, qu’ils le fassent

— Waldemar ZurekPoland's Justice Minister stated that if the US wishes to initiate extradition proceedings, they should proceed.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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