Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik (Law and Justice) yesterday attempted to gain access to the Polish Sejm, claiming they are still MPs (and supported in this claim by their party). The ensuing pushing and shoving led to at least some injuries (in particular for Kamiński himself) and the footage is being analysed:
Their case is controversial and complex. Both MPs were convicted in the last instance of exceeding their competences and falsifying documents in the course of their work in the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA).
However, President Duda's decision to pardon both men before their case had gone to appeal led to legal disputes. These disputes were exacerbated by the ongoing broader constitutional crisis caused by the politicisation of key constitutional organs by the previous administration.
While a majority of legal experts agree that the two are no longer MPs, a minority believe that the Sejm's Speaker (Szymon Hołownia) did not properly remove the status of MP from the two men, invoking disputes as to the precise competences of the Supreme Court.
"Rzeczpospolita" asked 38 legal experts the simple question whether Kamiński and Wąsik are still MPs. 34 said "no", 2 said "yes" and 2 gave a mixed answer.
Today several leading MPs have shared their views on the situation, indicating the level of emotion:
Szymon Hołownia, Speaker: "The recorded film is being analysed and anyone who disgraced their uniform [referring to the guards] will face consequences."
Jarosław Kaczyński, Head of Law and Justice: [Responding to Hołownia's comments concerning MPs who behaved aggressively] "We cannot rule out anything with this government, even political assassinations."
Małgorzata Paprocka, Minister in President's Chancellery: "The President granted his pardon, confirming the earlier pardon of 2015. The Chancellery has no doubt that the two gentlemen are MPs."
Radosław Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "These two gentlemen are exceptionally poor candidates for the role of martyr."
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister: [Addressing Law and Justice] "Poland deserves a better opposition... you are playing into the hands of Poland's enemies...you cannot accept your electoral defeat, that's why we had the scenes at the Sejm yesterday."
Sources: PAP, Rzeczpospolita, Business Insider, Do Rzeczy
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