Prosecutor Michał Ostrowski, Deputy Prosecutor General, responded to Prosecutor Bilewicz’s interviews about a supposed investigators’ “revolt” and a so-called “Byzantium” in PK, saying that none of the deputy general’s deputies should be seen as absent. The aim, Ostrowski explained, is to align the factual picture with the legal framework clearly defined in the laws, the Constitutional Court ruling, and the stance of the President of Poland. In his words, the National Prosecutor is Dariusz Barski, a conclusion supported by the facts of the case and the law.
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wPolityce.pl: Prosecutor Bilewicz calls on you to resign, citing “decency.” Do you follow his advice?
Prosecutor Michał Ostrowski replied that Mr. Bilewicz should carefully consider whether to continue in his imagined role as National Prosecutor. Ostrowski noted that the office has never had such a function and warned against manipulative claims about Barski having acted as National Prosecutor years ago when the National Public Prosecution Service was part of the Ministry of Justice. He emphasized that the service is now an independent state body or it is not — and that Barski remains the National Prosecutor, never dismissed in accordance with the law.
Prosecutor Bilewicz had claimed that, as Deputy Attorney General, you earned tens of thousands of zlotys monthly and enjoyed luxury cars and private drivers. Ostrowski reminded readers that salaries are set by law, with the Deputy Attorney General receiving roughly PLN 4,600 in bonuses for the role. He acknowledged that new vehicles had been purchased as part of modernization, but stressed they are used strictly for official business. He challenged the assertion that cars regularly carried a single person from Jelenia Góra to Legnica and on to Warsaw, inviting a check of attendance, travel dates, and passenger counts. He added that he personally uses public transport and questioned the circumstances under which Prosecutor Bilewicz currently and routinely uses a company car.
Ostrowski also questioned whether Mr. Bilewicz could truly be considered impoverished as a prosecutor within the Public Prosecution Service.
Up to January 12 of this year, Prosecutor Bilewicz served at the former Public Prosecutor’s Office for nearly eight years, performing duties at the Warsaw-Praga District Prosecutor’s Office. Ostrowski pointed out that Bilewicz’s compensation was higher than that of many colleagues and even his direct superiors, equaling the salary of a prosecutor from the National Public Prosecutor’s Office. He questioned the basis for complaints about income disparities.
Prosecutor Bilewicz expressed surprise at the resistance allegedly offered by Ostrowski, stating, “You bet?”
Ostrowski reaffirmed that none of the attorney general’s deputies are absent. The goal, he stated, is to ensure that the factual situation aligns with the law, the Constitutional Court ruling, and the President’s position. He reaffirmed that Dariusz Barski is the national prosecutor, as the legal framework prescribes.
Asked about the current situation and whether Ostrowski expects a return from vacation or fears a dismissal, he replied that a return from vacation is planned for February 12 this year, with a two-class Pendolino ticket already booked from his hometown to Warsaw. Regarding resignation, Ostrowski said that he saw no substantive reason to resign, but if such action is carried out, it would be in line with the law and with the President’s written consent. He described himself as a legalist, not a rebel as Bilewicz insinuated.
When asked about his continued presence at the National Public Prosecutor’s Office and his assessment of the time spent in the Deputy Attorney General role and earlier as a department director, Ostrowski reflected on his March 2016 tenure. He led the creation and development of the Economic Crime Unit and served as its director, prioritizing VAT crime, aggressive reprivatization, economic corruption, and drug crime. He also established a cybercrime unit and a modern crime analysis department. He expressed hope that, as Deputy Attorney General, he would continue to oversee the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s key areas, a commitment he has carried for more than 26 years.
Interview conducted by WB
Source: wPolityce