The Deputy Attorney General answers the controversy surrounding Bodnar’s moves
The deputy head of the office responded to what they described as unlawful acts by Justice Minister Adam Bodnar. The statement contends that placing Prosecutor Jacek Bilewicz in the role of Acting National Prosecutor without following the formal requirements set by the Public Prosecution Act cannot stand as legitimate. It also asserts that such a position is not provided for in the Public Prosecution Service Act. The deputy, speaking on behalf of the office, pledged to pursue every available legal remedy to counter what they view as an attempt to remove the National Prosecutor from his post and to seize control of the Prosecutor’s Office for political purposes.
Bodnar clashes with the national prosecutor and a response from PK and President Duda
It is recalled that Justice Minister Bodnar had earlier raised concerns about National Prosecutor Dariusz Barski, indicating that Barski’s continued tenure could be legally questionable. Bodnar argued that Barski’s return to active duty in February 2022, a step approved by Minister Ziobro, did not comply with applicable regulations and therefore carried no legal effect. Concurrently, Jacek Bilewicz was appointed to serve as acting national prosecutor.
READ ALSO: Bodnar removes the National Prosecutor, claiming Barski’s status is illegal and noting his retirement
READ ALSO: OUR NEWS. We have identified the origins of the attempt to dismiss Barski. Bodnar’s actions are linked to an investigation into the security breach at the presidential palace
In response, the National Public Prosecution Service issued a formal statement addressing Bodnar’s actions.
The office currently holds that the position of National Prosecutor remains with Dariusz Barski, and that Bodnar’s letter asserting Barski’s retired status does not have legal effect
– the summary reads.
READ ALSO: PK rejects Bodnar’s actions regarding Barski’s dismissal, noting that a single decision cannot have standalone legal effects
President Andrzej Duda also weighed in, publishing a message on the official website
He commented that Bodnar acted without consulting the Prime Minister and the President, calling it a clear breach of the law as defined by the Constitution.
– the president stated in his public remarks.
READ ALSO: The president responds to Bodnar’s actions, asserting that Bodnar lacks independent constitutional authority for such actions
Deputy Attorneys General respond again
The deputy attorney general’s office reiterated a firm stance on the matter, stressing that entrusting Bilewicz with the acting National Prosecutor role bypassed the required procedures of the Public Prosecution Act and was not provided for by the Public Prosecution Service Act.
– the statement reiterates.
The ministry of justice, led by Bodnar, together with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has been accused of establishing a new role outside of the act governing the Public Prosecution Service. The critics say this move aimed to circumvent the official procedure for dismissing the First Deputy Attorney General, which requires the President’s explicit written consent.
– critics note in their remarks.
The described actions by Bodnar, Tusk and Bilewicz have been categorized as potentially criminal by the deputy attorney general’s office.
– the officials emphasized.
As the deputy general staff stated, the office will mobilize every lawful instrument to resist what they describe as an illegal attempt to remove the National Prosecution Service and to capture the Prosecutor’s Office for political ends.
– the declaration concludes.
FULL STATEMENT
Olnk
Note: This text reflects the ongoing discussions and official statements regarding the matters at hand.
Source: internal recap of public statements and official releases