At a press conference, Tusk criticised Ziobro, a member of the previous right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, for seeking protection abroad, describing it as a move that effectively acknowledged wrongdoing and represented an attempt to avoid facing the Polish courts.
He emphasised that, unlike Hungary, Poland is recognised across the European Union as a safe and law-abiding country, and that no citizen should feel compelled to seek political asylum.
Earlier, Ziobro’s lawyer Bartosz Lewandowski announced that the former minister had been granted international protection and political asylum in Hungary, citing alleged violations of rights and freedoms in Poland guaranteed under international law.
Ziobro also reportedly received a travel document under the Geneva Convention, allowing him to move freely.
Tusk compared Ziobro’s asylum to the case of Tomasz Szmydt, a former judge who fled to Minsk in May 2024 and is wanted in Poland on espionage charges.
The head of Poland's government described both cases as reflecting abuses of power and actions taken against Polish national interests.
The prime minister clarified that Poland’s relations with Hungary are not built on personal contacts with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
While he has known Orbán for years, Tusk said he had not discussed Ziobro’s asylum with him and added that Poland is awaiting an official response from the Hungarian government.
The politician also noted ongoing contact with Hungarian opposition leaders, who indicated that a future change in government could affect Ziobro’s status.
Warsaw court resumes proceedings on Ziobro's potential arrest
Meanwhile, the District Court for Warsaw-Mokotów is considering a request from the National Prosecutor’s Office to arrest Ziobro.
Prosecutors argue that his detention is necessary due to concerns that he could obstruct an investigation into the Justice Fund.
Ziobro is currently under international protection in Hungary, which recognised that he could face political persecution if he returned to Poland.
The National Prosecutor’s Office has charged Ziobro with leading a criminal group and misusing his office for illegal activities.
He is alleged to have committed 26 offences, including instructing subordinates to break the law to ensure that grants from the Justice Fund were awarded to preferred entities, interfering with the preparation of tender offers, and allowing funds to be allocated to ineligible organisations.
The court hearing, originally scheduled for 15 January, resumed Thursday following a break from proceedings that continued from a session held on 22 December.
Read more on this topic:
(mp)
Source: IAR/PAP