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Polish court delays hearing on arrest of former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro

22.12.2025 14:00
The Warsaw-Mokotów District Court on Monday postponed a hearing on the potential pre-trial detention of Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland’s former justice minister and attorney general, until mid-January.
Zbigniew Ziobro
Zbigniew ZiobroPhoto: PAP/Art Service

Ziobro, who failed to appear at the hearing scheduled for 22 December, faces 26 charges related to alleged irregularities in the distribution of funds from the Justice Fund.

The delay was reportedly due to “gaps in the evidence” submitted by prosecutors, who said that classified documents are yet to be provided.

Political tensions in Poland rise as court postpones Ziobro detention hearing

The decision has sparked a political storm: pro-european, centrist Civic Coalition politicians emphasise the need to respect legal procedures, while members of the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party have celebrated what they see as a setback for the government’s plans.

Prosecutors had sought Ziobro’s detention, citing the risk of flight and potential interference with the investigation.

The court’s ruling postpones any decision, with further proceedings scheduled for 15 January 2026.

Polish ex-minister Ziobro remains abroad after immunity lifted and passport revoked

Ziobro has been outside Poland since late October, reportedly spending time in Budapest, where he met with the pro-Kremlin Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The lower house of the Polish Parliament (Sejm) approved the lifting of his parliamentary immunity a month ago, allowing for potential detention. His passport was revoked amid the ongoing Justice Fund investigation.

The current location of the former justice minister, who served under Poland’s PiS government, is confidential, according to his lawyers.

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Source: IAR/Polish Radio English Section