The decision follows new charges brought by prosecutors in an investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the Justice Fund, a state program intended to support crime victims and crime prevention initiatives.
A total of 238 lawmakers voted in favor of lifting Romanowski’s immunity on Thursday, while 195 opposed the motion. No one abstained.
The majority of votes in favor came from the ruling Civic Coalition (KO), Poland 2050-TD, the Polish People’s Party (PSL-TD), The Left (Lewica), and the left-wing Together party (Razem), as well as one independent lawmaker.
The opposition, including the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, the far-right Confederation party, and smaller right-wing groups, voted against it.
Prosecutors have filed eight new charges against Romanowski, alleging abuse of power and failure to fulfill his duties while overseeing the Justice Fund.
They accuse him of colluding with officials at the Ministry of Justice to manipulate the allocation of public funds, ensuring that pre-selected organizations won grant competitions by reviewing and revising their applications before submission.
According to prosecutors, this scheme allowed favored organizations to win grants unfairly.
One such organization, Fundacji Instytutu Prawa Ustrojowego, reportedly received around PLN 2.7 million (USD 680,000). Another, the Szczecin-based Stowarzyszenie Przyjaciół Zdrowia, secured over PLN 7.7 million (USD 1.9 million), despite Romanowski allegedly knowing the funds would be misused.
Romanowski, who served as deputy justice minister from 2019 to 2023, is facing a total of 19 charges, including participation in an organized crime group, embezzlement of over PLN 100 million (USD 25 million), and rigging competitions for public funds.
This is not the first time Romanowski has faced legal trouble. In July last year, the Sejm had already approved lifting his immunity for 11 previous charges related to the same investigation.
However, because of the new allegations, an additional vote was required.
He has been in Hungary since December, where he was granted political asylum. The move came after a Warsaw court issued a European Arrest Warrant for him.
His asylum has sparked a diplomatic dispute between Warsaw and Budapest, with Polish officials condemning the move as a "hostile act" against Poland and the European Union.
Responding to the latest developments, Romanowski dismissed the charges as politically motivated.
(rt/gs)
Sources: IAR, PAP