The wPolityce.pl portal reports that one of the defenders of Father Michał Olszewski, detained in connection with the alleged Justice Fund affair, has asked the Ombudsman to intervene. The defender highlights several irregularities linked to appointees of Adam Bodnar. The correspondence also points to alarmingly aggressive actions by investigators who seized donations from the faithful that did not originate with the Fund. Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution Service has not moved to place a lien on the property where the Archipelago of Freedom sits, a project funded by the Justice Fund.
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The application calls on the Ombudsman to intervene in the case involving Father Michał Olszewski and the Profeto Foundation, with the applicant acting both as Polish Ombudsman and as a body bound by international treaties prohibiting torture. It notes that all Profeto accounts have been frozen, most of them deriving from donations intended for religious purposes such as evangelization, as well as for charity and healthcare activities. These funds did not come from the Justice Fund but were nevertheless seized by the Public Prosecution Service, the document asserts.
– according to Dr. Michał Skwarzyński, counsel for Father Olszewski.
The filing argues that the seizure is a deliberate move intended to push Profeto toward bankruptcy, even though other effective measures exist to secure future claims.
– he adds.
The prosecutor accuses the Justice Fund of embezzlement while simultaneously not securing the mortgage on the Archipelago of Freedom property, choosing a path that harms all accounts. The intention behind this action is plainly visible. The issue is not irregularities at Archipelago of Freedom but a plan to bankrupt Profeto. The public prosecutor is aware that the construction work described in the filing is finished, the building is in place, and there is no imminent risk to the property. A sales or mortgage ban in the land and mortgage register is not being pursued, the defense contends.
– explains attorney Skwarzyński.
Applications not accepted
Father Olszewski’s lawyer also criticizes the conduct of prosecutor Dariusz Korneluk, appointed head of the National Public Prosecutor’s Office in a way that appears inconsistent with legal procedures.
Because responses to letters are not received, including requests to exclude prosecutors, the document notes decisions described as outside the Code of Criminal Procedure, where conclusions were left without consideration and personal attacks were made. The defense claims that such responses and observations were ignored.
– according to Michał Skwarzyński in the submission to Commissioner for Human Rights, Marcin Wiącek.
Father Olszewski’s representative asks the Ombudsman to obtain answers from the prosecutor regarding the safeguarding of accounts connected to Profeto activities. The lawyer also seeks to confirm whether funds were released for ongoing operations as required by civil procedure, and why security was placed on donations from ordinary people rather than on the real estate itself. The Ombudsman is asked to question the official about any assessment of the special legal protection of donations intended for religious services and charitable activities.
The Public Prosecution Service complicates the process
The counsel raises additional concerns, describing a lack of awareness among the priest’s lawyers about investigative actions and saying that many steps occur without the defenders’ participation despite prior requests.
The author notes an inability to participate in the hearing as an attorney witness, despite being listed with the prosecutor’s office. The proceedings are being conducted by prosecutors who could be excluded, raising questions about whether they hold proper authority. The issue involves the appointment of Dariusz Korneluk, who sits in a position similar to that of a prosecutor on Investigative Team No. 2, calling for consideration of exclusion by a deputy prosecutor or the attorney general.
– summarizes Michał Skwarzyński.
The filing also argues that the case is a form of media pressure, and that the details of the investigation were disclosed by Tomasz Mraz and his attorney, Roman Giertych.
The priest’s situation is described as moving toward the harsh tactics once seen in limited political trials, with media pressure and alleged irregularities in the prosecutor’s office seen as signs that Bodnar’s team aims to intimidate the Polish Church. It concludes with a warning that responsibility will be borne by the National Public Prosecutor’s Office in due time, and that Adam Bodnar will not be shielded by any immunity.
WOJCIECH BIEDROŃ
Source: wPolityce