Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Żurek expressed hope that Washington would become more willing to cooperate with Polish authorities following the elections, in which Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress.
Democrats gained at least six Senate seats previously held by Republicans, including a victory in traditionally Republican Texas. President Donald Trump remains in office, however, and the election results do not directly change the administration responsible for extradition decisions.
Żurek accused the U.S. authorities of providing political protection to Ziobro, a senior figure in Poland's opposition conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.
"I have no doubt that Ziobro would not have been able to enter the United States legally without political protection," he said.
The minister said Poland would intensify efforts to inform the American public about the allegations against Ziobro, which concern the suspected misuse of public funds.
Zbigniew Ziobro. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
Żurek acknowledged that extradition involved both legal and political decisions. While a US court initially considers the request, the final decision rests with the executive branch.
"I will appeal for this protection, this political umbrella, to be removed," he said, adding that the outcome remained uncertain.
Ziobro, who served as justice minister from 2015 to 2023, faces 26 criminal charges linked to alleged irregularities involving Poland's Justice Fund, a state fund intended primarily to assist crime victims and support crime prevention and rehabilitation.
The charges include alleged abuse of power, misappropriation of public money and involvement in an organized criminal group.
A Polish court ordered his arrest in February, and the decision became final in July. Ziobro denies wrongdoing and maintains that the investigation is politically motivated.
Polish prosecutors submitted an extradition request in July, covering 19 of the 26 alleged offenses. The request reached US authorities in August.
Ziobro previously obtained asylum in Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Following Orbán's election defeat, Ziobro announced in May that he was in the United States, insisting that he had not fled Poland.
Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek. Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka
(rt/gs)
Sources: IAR/PAP