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UPDATE: Polish prosecutors order autopsy after sudden death of Kaczyński’s longtime aide

18.03.2025 14:21
Poland’s legal authorities have ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of Barbara Skrzypek, a close associate of Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the Law and Justice Party (PiS). Polish President Andrzej Duda has also weighed in, requesting an explanation from Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Barbara Skrzypek, seen on the left in an archival photo from 2020, appears alongside Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of Polands Law and Justice (PiS) party. Skrzypek passed away on March 15, and Kaczyński suggested her death might be linked to a prosecutorial inquiry she had been involved in. Photo: PAPŁukasz Gągulski
Barbara Skrzypek, seen on the left in an archival photo from 2020, appears alongside Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party. Skrzypek passed away on March 15, and Kaczyński suggested her death might be linked to a prosecutorial inquiry she had been involved in. Photo: PAP/Łukasz GągulskiPhoto: PAP/Łukasz Gągulski

UPDATE: Cause of Barbara Skrzypek’s death revealed

Skrzypek passed away at the age of 66 on March 15, just three days after being questioned as a witness in an ongoing investigation related to the Srebrna company.

To ensure impartiality, the case has been transferred to the Warsaw-Praga District Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities have also decided to release the transcript of her testimony.

Political turmoil in Poland over Skrzypek’s death

PiS politicians, including Kaczyński, have implied a connection between Skrzypek’s questioning and her sudden passing. However, prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek, who conducted the interview, has rejected these claims and announced legal action against those suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship.

Jacek Dubois, the attorney representing Austrian businessman Gerald Birgfellner, stated that Skrzypek was cooperative during her testimony, did not raise concerns about its length, and did not request legal representation.

The Srebrna-related probe, launched in early February, is investigating whether Birgfellner was misled into making financial decisions that resulted in a loss of at least €1.3 million.

Prosecutors have emphasized that Skrzypek’s questioning followed all legal protocols and warned against speculation linking it to her passing.

Senator supports autopsy and transcript disclosure in Skrzypek case

Polish Senator Krzysztof Kwiatkowski of the Civic Coalition (KO), speaking on RMF FM, echoed the stance later announced by the country’s prosecutors regarding the death of Barbara Skrzypek.

He emphasized that conducting an autopsy should be seriously considered. Kwiatkowski also supported the release of the transcript from her over four-hour-long testimony, which was not recorded. However, he stressed that any private information should be redacted if necessary.

Update: President Duda requests answers on Barbara Skrzypek's death after testimony

According to the latest information, President Andrzej Duda has asked the head of the Polish government, Donald Tusk, for an explanation regarding the death of Barbara Skrzypek.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Duda pointed out that Tusk has so far remained silent on the matter.

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Source: PAP/RMFFM/X/@Rozmowa_RMF/@prezydentpl