Polish prosecutors pursue ex-ministers in Justice Fund probe

Polish prosecutors are intensifying efforts to bring former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro and ex-Deputy Minister Marcin Romanowski to justice as part of an investigation into the controversial Justice Fund. Ziobro, the former Prosecutor General, is a suspect in 26 intentional criminal offenses and is reportedly evading Polish authorities from abroad.

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He stated that he decided to stop patronizing Starbucks and delete his membership after the "Tank Day" incident. However, his attempt to get a refund for his prepaid balance was unsuccessful.

Prosecutors have taken swift action since the change in government, issuing an arrest warrant for Ziobro and requesting a European arrest warrant. However, the process is stalled as the courts have yet to issue a final decision on temporary arrest, a step typically required before extradition requests can be fully processed. "The prosecution acted model-like," stated the current Prosecutor General, emphasizing that all procedural steps have been completed on their end.

Romanowski, who is reportedly in the United States, has publicly mocked the prosecutors, calling them "losers" and criticizing the investigation as a "disgrace, a fiasco, and a lack of knowledge and skills." He also questioned their understanding of Geneva Convention-related passports.

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The prosecution acted model-like. All these activities that lie on the side of the prosecutors have been carried out.

Prosecutors are working to extradite both former officials, warning that anyone aiding their evasion could face criminal charges under Article 239 of the penal code. While the extradition treaty between Poland and the U.S. does not explicitly mandate a final arrest warrant, past practice has seen such requests made only after a provisional arrest is legally confirmed. The current administration aims to establish an independent prosecution service, a goal complicated by ongoing political and legal battles.

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Anyone who provides assistance to him, as well as to former deputy minister Romanowski, in hiding commits a crime under Article 239 of the penal code.