The panel also backed prosecutors’ requests for Ziobro’s detention and temporary arrest amid allegations that he led an organised crime group that misused public funds.
Committee chairman Jarosław Urbaniak of the ruling Civic Coalition confirmed the decision after a closed vote on Thursday night.
Jarosław Urbaniak speaks to reporters in Warsaw on Thursday. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
The case now moves to the full Sejm, the lower house of parliament, which is expected to take the final vote on the issue on Friday evening.
Prosecutor Piotr Woźniak, who leads the investigation, told lawmakers that Ziobro, now an opposition Law and Justice (PiS) MP, is accused of funnelling public money to favoured organisations and approving unlawful grants from the Justice Fund.
Among these, he said, was a PLN 25 million (EUR 5.8 million) transfer for the security service to buy Pegasus spyware, which authorities say was later used for surveillance against political opponents.
Woźniak said the evidence includes witness testimony, emails and recorded conversations.
He also warned that Ziobro could try to intimidate witnesses, citing his "disrespectful attitude" toward the parliamentary Pegasus inquiry and alleged threats to prosecutors and judges.
Investigators say Ziobro acted deliberately to obtain financial, personal and political benefits "to the detriment of the state."
Ziobro, who did not attend the hearing, has rejected the accusations as "false, absurd and politically motivated."
Speaking from Budapest earlier on Thursday, he accused the government of conducting a political witch hunt.
PiS lawmakers defended Ziobro, claiming his actions as justice minister were legal and based on regulations in force at the time.
MP Andrzej Śliwka called the proceedings a "political show trial," while other PiS politicians argued that changes to the fund’s rules were introduced only after the current government took power.
Prosecutors have said there are no medical grounds to prevent Ziobro's detention, despite claims from his allies that he remains seriously ill after recent cancer treatment.
If convicted on all counts, Ziobro could face up to 25 years in prison.
(ał/gs)
Source: PAP