On Friday, the ABW detained PiS MP Dariusz Matecki. This followed the Polish parliament (Sejm) lifting the immunity of several other PiS lawmakers, including party leader Jarosław Kaczyński and former Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, who faces accusations of abusing his power by declassifying secret military documents outlining Poland's defense strategy.
Dramatic speech and self-imposed handcuffs
Matecki had previously renounced his parliamentary immunity. During a dramatic speech in parliament, he put handcuffs on himself, claiming he was the victim of a "political execution." He also addressed parliament in English, calling on the "free world" and accusing Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government of destroying democracy with the support of the U.S., Germany, and Soros-affiliated foundations. He compared his situation to that of Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán.
Criminal charges and potential sentence
Prosecutors suspect Matecki of six crimes linked to mismanagement of public funds, including the Justice Fund and his work in Poland’s State Forests agency. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. Authorities justified his arrest by citing concerns that he might obstruct the investigation.
Minister Bodnar comments on the arrest
Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar called Matecki’s arrest a "precedent-setting situation," emphasizing that parliament’s approval made it a natural step in the legal process. He added that former Minister Błaszczak will now face questioning and formal charges, a process that typically takes several weeks after parliamentary approval.
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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@PK_GOV_PL