Poland to investigate ex-security chief over alleged ECHR spying

Poland's Ministry of Justice is launching an investigation into allegations that Bogdan Święczkowski, who headed the Internal Security Agency (ABW) from 2006 to 2007, spied on the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The probe follows recent statements by Święczkowski himself, who claimed the ABW had "various means and information from within the ECHR," questioning the court's independence.

“

I know he liked to eavesdrop. According to many sources, I and my family were also victims of this.

Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek confirmed that "appropriate steps" would be taken to clarify the matter. He stated that if Święczkowski committed any offense during his tenure as ABW chief, he would be held accountable. "The time for Mr. Święczkowski's accountability is coming," Żurek announced, promising further details soon.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that while he is not the one to judge Święczkowski's past actions, his government is committed to reforming the justice system. Tusk added, "I know he liked to eavesdrop. According to many sources, I and my family were also victims of this." He described Święczkowski's appointment as President of the Constitutional Tribunal as a "radical illustration of the collapse of legal institutions" under the previous government.

“

The time for Mr. Święczkowski's accountability is coming.

The ABW press team responded that after such a long time, Święczkowski might not precisely recall the agency's activities or the boundaries of its competencies. The press spokesperson for the Constitutional Tribunal, Weronika Ścibor, stated that information regarding surveillance is classified and that Święczkowski's remarks did not confirm any actual spying.

“

The ABW had various means and information from within the ECHR, so I can say that this body certainly does not deserve the name of a court as an independent body and that independent judges work there.