During a morning discussion on Polsat News program Rymanowski’s Breakfast, politicians debated the Karpiński case as he moves from prison toward a seat in the European Parliament. Paweł Jabłoński, deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized what he called a lack of reflection in Poland. Confederation MP Przemysław Wipler stunned viewers by claiming that the rights of the PO politician had been violated. Michał Kobosko, a Polish 2050 MP, also weighed in, arguing that the institution of pretrial detention could be abused.
“Violation of civil rights”
The former Warsaw City Hall treasurer is under scrutiny for alleged financial gain linked to the so‑called garbage scandal. Włodzimierz Karpiński was arrested, yet nine months passed without formal charges, and the court heeded further requests from the public prosecutor to extend his detention, citing concerns about tampering.
Confederation MP Przemysław Wipler asserted that civil rights were being violated.
Pretrial detention is viewed by some as being used opportunistically by judges. Statistics show that about nine out of ten such decisions align with the public prosecutor’s requests, a topic examined by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights and the Supreme Bar Council.
– he noted.
One observer argued that if the case occurred in the United States, a conviction might come sooner, while in Poland the suspect remains behind bars under what he described as inhumane conditions. He urged against cynicism and called for true protection of civil rights.
– he stated.
Presidential Minister Małgorzata Paprocka addressed the remarks from Wipler and other opposition figures.
“Why downplay such an important issue? Isn’t corruption a serious crime?” she asked, underscoring that this topic should not be dismissed.
Hołownia’s decision
Szymon Hołownia, who recently became the Sejm chair, signed documents related to Karpiński’s priority in taking up the mandate of Member of the European Parliament.
It is not Hołownia’s role to determine Karpiński’s ultimate fate, the Marshal of the Sejm assured. He also emphasized that there would be no pressure to withdraw a relevant submission in this matter, and he could not avoid signing the application in question.
– commented Michał Kobosko, a Polish 2050 MP, when asked about the issue.
He suggested that the case could reflect what is often labeled as the so‑called extraction arrest, arguing that detaining someone for nine months without evidence is unacceptable.
– he added. In response to a presenter’s note that prolonged detention without verdicts has occurred in the past, MP Anna Maria Żukowska pointed out that the record holder spent eight years in detention without a sentence.
READ ALSO: Hołownia’s nervous reaction to the question about Karpiński: turning it into a political stunt is unacceptable. “This is a decision that cannot be made otherwise.”
“A symbol of the rule of law of the new team”
KO parliamentarian Robert Kropiwnicki maintained that the public prosecutor’s office actions against the PO politician carried political motives.
Following legislative changes by PiS, a judge who does not agree to extend pretrial detention must now issue a detailed explanation. The prosecutor’s office reportedly failed to prepare an indictment for nine months, during which Karpiński was questioned three times.
– stated Kropiwnicki, who characterized the prosecutor’s actions as a simplification toward Zbigniew Ziobro.
Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłoński noted that similar situations occurred in other EU nations, yet Poland seemed to lack reflection.
In Spain, for instance, MEPs were elected from a Catalan party; one member found himself in custody while the case was examined by the CJEU, though Madrid disagreed with the ruling.
– he recalled.
Ultimately, the MEP’s mandate expired, and the country was described as lacking reflection.
– Jabłoński stressed that Karpiński’s case is seen as a symbol of the “rule of law of the new team.”
READ ALSO:
– Prime Minister Morawiecki asserted that it was the court that decided to extend Karpiński’s detention and that the government is not involved in that decision.
– ONLY HERE. Will Włodzimierz Karpiński escape punishment? The case will continue. Immunity will not stand in the way.
aja/Polsat News
Source: wPolityce