Polish legal authorities scrutinize Wrzosek case as calls for accountability grow

The chair of Poland’s Supreme Bar Council, State Tribunal Judge Przemysław Rosati, stressed that any case involving possible power abuse by prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek must be thoroughly examined. He stated that the bar will not tolerate questionable practices.

On Thursday, a major outlet published findings suggesting irregularities in Wrzosek’s attempts to have courts block actions by PiS related to public media. The report claimed the requests might have been drafted outside the prosecutor’s office.

It was reported that documents may have been prepared at the law firm Clifford Chance, which currently represents public media.

According to the outlet, the portal noted.

Earlier in February, another site reported a special operation involving Wrzosek with possible involvement from a former official and suggested prosecutors may have participated in efforts to influence public media control. It also covered issues within the internal affairs department, which directly concern Wrzosek.

There were discussions about denials and the behind the scenes of media activity involving high level officials and Ewa Wrzosek.

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The president of Poland’s Supreme Council of Lawyers commented on the reports via social media on the weekend, insisting the case should not be downplayed.

Limits have been crossed. It’s not as if nothing happened. If a law firm wants to intervene, it must file a formal request to the public prosecutor’s office. If a prosecutor wishes to intervene, it must be done strictly within set rules and principles

Rosati underscored that “there is no permission for questionable practices.”

The situation, including the prosecutor’s stance—if press information is confirmed—undermines public trust in the prosecutor’s office and weakens citizens’ faith in the state.

He argued that it is in the public interest to thoroughly clarify the matter.

If the issue remains unclear, could the next step be to take judgments to court simply because someone deems it in the public interest? There is no room for such practices at the counter

– he contended.

Will Wrzosek be removed from Lex Super Omnia?

Lex Super Omnia, the association of which Wrzosek is a member, issued a response. The group emphasized its commitment to the rule of law, the independence, and the apolitical stance of the public prosecutor’s office.

Thus, the association expressed concern about media reports on Wrzosek’s activities related to public media, prompted by a former MP’s request.

The board asked Wrzosek to address the public accusations. The group noted that preparatory proceedings are underway to determine the factual circumstances of the case.

The statement noted that further inquiries are being conducted to establish the relevant details.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Polish Railways is examining the matter

Spokespersons from the national prosecution service stated that the Internal Affairs Department is conducting an inquiry into the case.

The investigation concerns documents dated November 30, 2023, sent to several courts in the country, including a request by the prosecutor to secure a claim before proceedings began

— the spokesperson stressed.

As explained by the Attorney General’s office, the investigation began in mid December 2023 following a notification from the former Warsaw regional prosecutor. The inquiry centers on alleged abuse of power and the circumstances described by media coverage

— the spokesperson said.

The discussions also included references to other prosecutors and their roles in related matters, with wider implications for the public perception of legal institutions.

Additional materials indicated that the authorities were reviewing similar issues tied to the same case and related individuals.

There were reports about reactions and comments from various legal insiders, suggesting scrutiny of the process and calls for transparency and accountability.

Further reports highlighted how the events were perceived by the public and political observers, with emphasis on the need to uphold independence and integrity in the justice system.

— authorities noted that the case remains under close observation and ongoing fact finding by relevant bodies.

Source references and ongoing updates were noted as part of the coverage, with emphasis on the pursuit of factual clarity and responsible reporting.