The Rules, Deputies Affairs and Immunities Committee will draft a report on how Łukasz Piebiak sought permission to bring Member of Parliament Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus to trial. The Sejm will determine the case’s next steps. The former State Secretary of Justice aims to sanction the controversial MP for remarks accusing him of involvement in a so-called hate scandal.
READ ALSO: OUR NEWS. Will Scheuring-Wielgus stand trial? The Sejm will review Judge Piebiak’s motion to prosecute the MP
The committee meeting saw arguments from the MP’s defense that appeared to treat the matter as clear due to the media’s description of alleged misconduct. According to Krzysztof Śmiszek, the left-wing MP’s representative, media reports, articles, and statements from former associates of Łukasz Piebiak, who are said to be remorseful, were deemed sufficient. There were also charges of opposition harassment.
The intention, as claimed, is to deter MPs from offering legitimate criticism or framing the facts. (…) The MP used arguments that were present in widely circulated media. The discourse surrounding media allegations by a major publishing house and a large editorial staff, framed within the context of the hate scandal, dominated the national conversation. The assertion remains that such statements and debates among journalists could be used to claim that Mr. Łukasz Piebiak actively participated in a hate group. If the media reports are true, a massive scandal could be involved.
– argued Krzysztof Śmiszek, who did not present tangible evidence that Scheuring-Wielgus’s remarks about the former deputy minister of justice were grounded in fact.
Reach and Impunity?
Powerful counterarguments were voiced by Law and Justice MP Zbigniew Dolata against Śmiszek’s line of defense.
To be candid, there has been a long history in the Sejm, but this particular defense line was unexpected. It suggests that simply taking the floor allows one to say anything and that freedom of debate excuses everything. Slander is possible. Imagine a scenario where a lawmaker slanders MP Śmiszek on the podium, relying on media narratives and social media. In today’s environment, where misinformation and fake news spread rapidly, should a standard be set? A response was offered that stage-based assertions can carry weight even without corroborating investigations or judicial process.
said Dolata.
This defense is seen as illogical. Ultimately, the point raised was that the deputy had no verified device to challenge media claims. What defines a Member of Parliament? According to the advocate, the deputy speaks with a platform. It would be prudent for the deputy to exercise common sense, and best wishes were extended to Scheuring-Wielgus.
As for media reports, there is no provision guaranteeing impunity merely because reports reach a wide audience.
– argued Łukasz Piebiak’s lawyer, Krzysztof Wąsowski.
Piebiak’s Conclusions
The case, referred to the Sejm Rules Committee, concerns statements made by the MP toward Judge Łukasz Piebiak. The MP gave credence to media narratives that a former justice minister, implicated in the alleged hate scandal at the Ministry of Justice, was slandered by Scheuring-Wielgus. Based on alleged fabricated information and manipulation, attempts were also directed at Minister Zbigniew Ziobro.
… I accuse Joanna Izabela Scheuring – Wielgus, born Bąkowska, that on July 15, 2020 in Warsaw, publicly from the Sejm stage while employing mass media, Judge Łukasz Konrad allegedly slandered Piebiak by suggesting that, as Deputy Minister of Justice, he led a system intended to hack judges and prosecutors, actions that could undermine his public trust and ability to hold the office of judge – a matter described as harmful to public perception – as noted in the indictment, which Piebiak submitted to the District Court for Warsaw–Śródmieście.
The deputy enjoys parliamentary immunity, yet Piebiak also sought Sejm consent to pursue Scheuring-Wielgus criminally.
From the complainant’s view, the described action aligns with the crime of libel as defined in Article 212 of the Penal Code, since protecting reputation is a universal prerogative. For the case to reach court, the immunity of the involved individuals must be waived. It is thus considered that conditions justify a Sejm resolution allowing criminal liability for the MP Joanna Izabela Scheuring-Wielgus.
The discussions at today’s meeting highlighted a concern that some Members seek to secure impunity not only through immunity but also via media material that has not undergone independent inquiry or judicial examination. The media-driven, political lynching of the then Deputy Justice Minister Łukasz Piebiak in August 2019 remains a dark chapter in Polish politics.
UK
Source: wPolityce