Polish prosecutors have formally requested the removal of parliamentary immunity for Zbigniew Ziobro, the former justice minister, amid allegations of abuse of power and financial misconduct. Ziobro, who served as justice minister and prosecutor general from 2015 to 2023 under the conservative Law and Justice party, is accused of misusing the Ministry of Justice’s fund for victims of violence. The fund was allegedly diverted to purchase Israeli Pegasus spyware, which was purportedly used to surveil political opponents. Prosecutors claim Ziobro led an organized crime group responsible for siphoning 150 million zloty ($42 million) from the Justice Fund for personal and political gains. The charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The current government, led by center-right Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has accused the previous administration of deploying Pegasus to spy on political adversaries, including members of Tusk’s party. Investigations into these claims are ongoing. Tusk’s administration has vowed to hold the former government accountable for alleged abuses. Waldemar Żurek, the current justice minister, emphasized that “there are no sacred cows” in pursuing justice. Ziobro, who was in Budapest on Monday, criticized Tusk on social media, labeling him a “Brussels-anointed prime minister.” Meanwhile, Hungary, under nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has provided refuge to several Law and Justice-affiliated politicians sought by Polish authorities. Ziobro has previously defended the purchase of Pegasus, claiming it was used to uncover embezzlement of Polish assets.
Polish prosecutors seek charges against ex-justice minister for misuse of funds
