Ziobro Defiant from Budapest as Polish Prosecutor Secures Assets, Announces Retaliation Against Tusk Government
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A Polish prosecutor has secured the assets of former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, including placing a mortgage on his real estate and seizing funds from his bank accounts, prompting a defiant response from Ziobro delivered from Budapest, Hungary. The move, following the Sejm’s November 7th waiver of his immunity, has been decried by Ziobro as “pure political revenge” orchestrated by the current government led by Donald Tusk.
Symbolic Stand in Hungary
Ziobro chose to address the prosecutor’s actions from a location steeped in historical significance: opposite the Hungarian Parliament, next to a monument commemorating the Hungarian Uprising of 1848-49. This uprising, part of the broader “Spring of Nations,” saw Polish volunteers, including Józef Bem, fight alongside Hungarian revolutionaries. The monument prominently features the inscription “Piski,” referencing a battle where Bem distinguished himself, and his command: “I will take back the bridge or I will die. Go Hungarians! No bridge, no homeland!” The choice of location underscores a theme of resistance and solidarity in the face of perceived oppression.
Asset Seizure Details and Ziobro’s Response
The prosecutor’s actions target alleged abuses within the Justice Fund. While a compulsory mortgage has been placed on Ziobro’s property, officials clarified that he retains the ability to use and even sell the property. According to a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office, the security is an entry on a land and mortgage register, covering up to PLN 143 (approximately $35 USD). Notably, the prosecutor stated that no funds were currently present in Ziobro’s accounts at the time of the seizure, meaning no money was immediately secured, but any future deposits will be subject to the order.
Ziobro responded to the actions with staunch defiance, stating on TV Republika, “They won’t scare me, I won’t be broken… I am convinced that the ending will be bad, but for Tusk and the gang that uses the illegally taken over prosecutor’s office for revenge, for retaliation.”
Charges and Political Fallout
The prosecutor intends to present Ziobro with 26 charges, including allegations of establishing and managing an “organized criminal group” and manipulating grant competitions within the Justice Fund, allegedly misappropriating over PLN 143 million. The Sejm’s decision to waive Ziobro’s immunity also authorized his detention and potential arrest, leading to a decision to issue an arrest warrant and request his forcible return to Poland by the Internal Security Agency on November 7th.
Adding to the political complexity, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has canceled Ziobro’s diplomatic passport, further restricting his travel options. The situation has sparked confusion within the Sejm regarding the implications of Sikorski’s decision.
Ziobro is currently in Hungary and has not confirmed whether he intends to remain there long-term, but maintains his innocence and frames the legal proceedings as a politically motivated attack. The unfolding situation promises further political tension in Poland as the investigation progresses.
Source: TV Republika, WP News
