Polish Parliament Member and Ex-Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski Detained in Connection with Inquiry into Misuse of Public Funds
Marcin Romanowski, former Deputy Minister of Justice, was detained by the Internal Security Agency (ABW) at the instruction of the National Prosecutor's Office earlier this week. This move is part of a larger probe into suspicious activities within the Justice Fund, stirring up an ongoing saga.
Romanowski was arrested from his residence around 3 PM and was driven to the prosecutor's office for interrogation. His lawful representative, Bartosz Lewandowski, confirmed the detention on social media, stating, "ABW is detaining the deputy at the behest of the National Prosecutor's Office."
The Prosecutor's Office spokesperson, Przemysław Nowak, confirmed the news, explaining that ABW and the National Prosecutor's Office collaborated in executing the arrest as part of their joint investigation. According to Lewandowski, Romanowski will first undergo procedures at the ABW delegation before heading to the National Prosecutor's Office for questioning.
Lewandowski raised concerns about the manner of the detention, branding it as "illegal" and asserting that it was unnecessary given Romanowski's readiness to collaborate. He pointed out that they had been at the prosecutor's office on Friday and had provided their contact information, assuring that Romanowski would voluntarily appear if summoned.
However, the National Prosecutor's Office defended the detention due to concerns about potential disruptions to the investigation. "The necessity of detaining the suspect arises from justified concerns about unlawful obstruction of the proceedings and the need for immediate preventive measures," the Prosecutor's Office declared in a statement.
Romanowski faces substantial accusations, including involvement in an organized group aimed at committing property crimes, overstepping his authority, neglecting his duties, and forging documents - actions leading to significant damage to the state's properties. The investigation, targeting the mismanagement of the Justice Fund during Romanowski's tenure from 2019 to 2023, has gathered ample evidence supporting these charges.
Recently, the Sejm, Poland's lower house of parliament, removed Romanowski's parliamentary immunity, clearing the way for legal action. This decision followed a request by the prosecutor on June 19 to hold Romanowski accountable and authorize his arrest and temporary detention. The essential documents from the Sejm, essential for moving forward with the charges, were delivered to the prosecutor's office on Monday morning.
The arrest of Romanowski, a prominent member of the Sovereign Poland party and linked to the Law and Justice (PiS) parliamentary group, marks an escalation in scrutiny on the Justice Fund, under examination for alleged mismanagement and corruption for some time.
The Justice Fund was established to support crime victims and enhance the justice system. The investigation encompasses a wide range, including the activities of Ministry of Justice officials responsible for the fund's administration. As the investigation unfolds, Romanowski's legal team continues to assert his innocence and challenge the procedures employed in his detention.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing case, as the eyes of Poland and the world continue to watch this significant chapter in the country's political and judicial landscape unfold.
- The government is taking measures against Marcin Romanowski, the former Deputy Minister of Justice, who was arrested as part of a joint investigation by the National Prosecutor's Office and Internal Security Agency.
- The arrest of Romanowski, a member of the Sovereign Poland party, comes after the Sejm, Poland's lower house of parliament, removed his parliamentary immunity.
- Romanowski faces accusations of involvement in an organized group committing property crimes, overstepping authority, neglecting duties, and forging documents.
- The Justice Fund, established to support crime victims and enhance the justice system, is under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement and corruption, with the investigation encompassing Ministry of Justice officials.
- Romanowski's legal team has asserted his innocence and challenged the procedures employed in his detention.
- The investigation, targeting the mismanagement of the Justice Fund during Romanowski's tenure from 2019 to 2023, has gathered ample evidence supporting these charges.
- The arrest of Romanowski marks an escalation in scrutiny on the Justice Fund, a sensitive issue in the politics and general-news of Poland.
- As the investigation unfolds, the case is attracting attention from both Poland and the international community in the realm of crime-and-justice and politics.
- Despite the ongoing drama, it remains to be seen how the developments in this case will shape the future of Poland's judicial landscape.
