The Pegasus Investigative Committee opened its session with Magdalena Sroka, who chairs the committee, noting the absence of the former Justice Minister. She stated that Zbigniew Ziobro had sent a medical certificate prepared by a forensic expert, which effectively excused his nonattendance at the meeting. Sroka also announced his summons for July 10.
READ ALSO: Ziobro successfully justified his absence. A certificate issued by a court doctor was received
Ziobro, called to testify before the Pegasus probe, is confronting cancer and could not attend. Yet the sitting chair, Third Way MP Magdalena Sroka, still proceeded with the summons for the former minister.
Ziobro submitted a medical certificate drawn up by a court expert, which validly substantiated his absence from today’s proceedings. He emphasized that he would reject any claims that the committee is harassing him.
— the politician declared at the start of the session.
There are no parallels left, the rules are clear for everyone, and the minister’s decision to present an appropriate medical certificate shows that he received the information conveyed through the media about how absences can be officially recorded.
— she added.
According to Sroka, the summons had been dispatched on June 12 by post, courier, and email. The courier package was returned on June 14 with the note that the recipient did not reside at that address.
Attempts to reach him by phone proved unsuccessful. The minister did not answer, Sroka pointed out.
Further steps planned
She explained that the prosecution had been asked to have law enforcement deliver the summons when the parliamentary club’s attempt at service also failed.
It was noted that the minister used ill health as a pretext by his party’s leader to ignite a dispute. The certificate, in turn, was presented as evidence supporting the official absence.
— Sroka commented.
At the same time, she announced the next hearing for July 10.
While expressing wishes for a swift recovery for the minister, she asserted that there are fixed expectations. If it proves impossible to secure attendance, the committee will request experts to determine the earliest feasible date for the hearing with the minister.
— she concluded.
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(citation: Polish media)