Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Ex-Polish Justice Minister Offers to Be Questioned Abroad Amid Charges
A former minister in Poland, Zbigniew Ziobro, is facing many serious accusations, like leading a crime group and misusing money.
He used to be in charge of justice in the old government.
Now, he is in Hungary and has said he will talk to officials if they question him from far away, like in Hungary or Belgium.
He believes the new government is just trying to get back at him for things he did.
However, Poland's government says they will likely issue a special order to bring him back to face the charges.
They also bought special spy software using money meant for crime victims, which is one of the accusations.
Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro faces 26 charges, including heading an organized criminal group and abuse of power.
Ziobro, currently in Hungary, has offered to be questioned remotely in Hungary or Belgium to avoid pre-trial detention.
Polish prosecutors intend to seek a European Arrest Warrant for Ziobro.
Ziobro claims the charges are a politically motivated 'witch hunt' by the current government.
One accusation involves the misuse of funds intended for crime victims to purchase Pegasus spyware.
- Who
- Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro and Polish prosecutors
- What
- Ziobro has offered to be questioned abroad (Hungary/Belgium) due to 26 charges, which prosecutors intend to pursue, possibly via a European Arrest Warrant.
- When
- Lawmakers stripped his immunity on Friday; his offer was published late Tuesday; Deputy Interior Minister commented Wednesday.
- Where
- Poland (origin of charges), Hungary and Belgium (proposed locations for questioning), Hungary (where Ziobro is currently located).
- Why
- Ziobro faces 26 charges including abuse of power and heading an organized criminal group; he claims the charges are a political 'witch hunt', while authorities seek to bring him to justice.
Former Minister's Stance
Polish Prosecutors' Stance
Nature of Charges
Former Minister's Stance
Alleges the charges are a politically motivated 'witch hunt' orchestrated by the current government for revenge.
Polish Prosecutors' Stance
Accuses the former minister of 26 charges, including heading an organized criminal group and misusing the Justice Fund to purchase Pegasus spyware.
Jurisdiction and Questioning
Former Minister's Stance
Offers to be questioned remotely (e.g., through consular office or international assistance) in Hungary or Belgium to avoid pre-trial detention.
Polish Prosecutors' Stance
Likely to request a European Arrest Warrant for Ziobro, aiming to prevent him from 'dictating terms or making deals' and to bring him to justice in Poland.
- Former Minister
- Zbigniew Ziobro
- Accusations
- 26 charges, including heading an organized criminal group, abuse of power, and misuse of Justice Fund money for Pegasus spyware.
- Current Location
- Hungary
- Alleged Locations for Questioning
- Hungary or Belgium (Brussels)
- Proposed Questioning Method
- Remotely via consular office or international assistance
- Related Action
- European Arrest Warrant issued for former deputy Marcin Romanowski.
- Political Affiliation (Former Government)
- Law and Justice (PiS)