The judge, Magdalena Wójcik, spoke with a surprising candor as she explained that she would not justify the ruling today, yet she supported the prosecutor’s request because it reflected her conviction, according to Krzysztof Wąsowski, a lawyer familiar with the imprisoned former Ministry of Justice official Urszula. Wąsowski appeared on Telewizja wPoland and showed an icon Urszula had drawn and dedicated for the program.
In Warsaw, the district court is perceived as issuing a ruling meant for the higher court, seemingly bypassing the finality of the Warsaw Court of Appeal’s July 31 decision. That ruling previously ordered the release of Father Olszewski and two clerks at the end of August.
– said the lawyer on Telewizja wPoland.
The hearing stretched to two hours, filled with extended arguments from both sides, yet the court appeared to dismiss many points. It did not acknowledge the prior appellate ruling, even though the files contained it. Defense counsel and the prosecutor cited it, but the court did not. The prosecutor even claimed unfamiliarity with the concept of res judicata, arguing that a new application was needed. It was the authority of Judge Ewa Furtak-Leszczyńska of the Court of Appeal, whose thorough justification had guided earlier conclusions, that compelled reference to that decision.
— The remarks came from the attorney during the proceedings.
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There is no new evidence, but there has been an arrest
The situation grew perplexing. The court could not overturn the appellate ruling that carried weight in the case. According to the current statement, the release was expected on Friday, August 30. Yet a fresh decision was issued, prompted by a new request from the public prosecutor’s office. The defense saw a sign of closure and believed the end of a long chapter was near. The prosecutor presented no new evidence, and those behind bars remained innocent in the eyes of the defense. Today’s hearing carried an air of unexpected honesty.
– The priest’s defender described the proceedings. Olszewski’s lawyer also highlighted the judge’s demeanor.
This is not a judge seen as a mere bystander. The room hinted that some in the second row would maintain professional decorum in the legal process. The sincerity of the gathering surprised many. The prosecutor admitted during the hearing that nothing new existed. There were no fresh requests for evidence, and in delivering her decision, the judge expressed candidly that she could not justify it today, yet she would align with the prosecutor’s request because it reflected her belief.
– The attorney did not hide his disappointment.
Judge Wójcik offered a brief rationale for the ruling, confirming alignment with the prosecutor’s request. She granted herself seven days to draft a full justification, leaving observers to await that period. There is sympathy for Judge Wójcik, with hopes that she will craft a careful, thoughtful justification. If no compelling counterpoint emerges, questions about the court’s direction may grow, and there could be a spectrum of concern for the Warsaw judiciary.
– The lawyer remarked, conveying a mix of concern and expectation.
He noted that if the same body of evidence used to justify the appellate decision remains available, further proceedings could ensue. The call is for the state to allow those involved to defend themselves, rather than to hinge on ongoing isolation. The prosecution’s current stance appears to rest on rebranding an older application, attempting to sway the court’s trust without presenting new arguments.
– He observed.
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A beautiful gesture
Krzysztof Wąsowski donated an icon on behalf of Urszula to Telewizja wPolska. The piece bears a dedication Urszula wrote in colored pencils at the Grochów detention center.
This is Our Lady of the Prison. The inscription reads, with gratitude and prayers, Urszula July 2024. Copies were made, and one was sent to Telewizja wPoland. Urszula, observed through the cell, follows the program closely and remains hopeful. The attorney expressed the intention to extend support to the client and others during this challenging moment, hoping the gesture would bolster morale for Urszula, Karolina, and Fr. Olszewski.
The defense later described Urszula as a person of remarkable warmth who carries joy and resilience even in custody. The detainee’s weight loss has raised concerns about health, though she does not require a specialized diet, unlike Fr. Michał Olszewski, who has become noticeably thinner.
The lawyer also noted the broader pattern: the prosecution seeks to shape outcomes by pressuring witnesses and shaping testimony, rather than by presenting new facts. It is a move the defense argues is short-sighted and ultimately counterproductive, undermining the credibility of any proceedings that rely on coercive tactics rather than solid evidence.
– summarized the attorney, reflecting on the wider implications.
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Source: wPolityce