Former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro asserted that the Pegasus Investigative Committee knew about his medical leave through July 7, yet it summoned him for questioning on July 1. He stated on X that he had publicly expressed a long time ago his willingness to appear before the committee, but he needed to recover his strength and that the commission should respect the law in its actions.
Ziobro’s appearance before the parliamentary inquiry committee investigating Pegasus was scheduled for Monday, July 1. The committee’s vice-chair, Marcin Bosacki, representing KO, said on Radio One that Ziobro had not yet received a formal summons and that authorities were seeking to deliver it to him. The commission chair, Magdalena Sroka of PSL, told the press agency that the panel was attempting to deliver the summons, but Ziobro had not accepted it yet.
In light of this, the decision was made that the Public Prosecution Service would ask police to locate the minister and issue the summons if needed.
Disgusting intimidation
Ziobro chose to address the issue of the summons before the Pegasus inquiry committee on July 1. The investigation panel is aware of his recent surgery for extensive cancer affecting the esophageal and gastric lymph nodes and his ongoing treatment. His leave of absence for the period through July 7 has been handled at the Sejm office for weeks.
Ziobro wrote on X that summoning him on July 1 and involving the police amounted to primitive provocation and a clear, abhorrent intimidation, noting that the Polish Police and Service Act require police deployment only in situations of necessity and after exhausting postal delivery methods.
The former head of the Ministry of Justice reiterated that he would appear at the committee meeting only if his health permitted. He emphasized that he had publicly stated his intention to appear and that his ability to participate depended on his medical condition. He asserted that the committee should respect the applicable laws in its actions and stressed his commitment to engaging with the inquiry when physically able.
The inquiry committee has already heard from a number of individuals, including former Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński, former deputy head of the Ministry of Justice Michał Woś, and former director of the Ministry of Family and Youth Affairs within the Ministry of Justice Mikołaj Pawlak, along with other Ministry of Justice staff members. The testimony provided thus far has shaped the committee’s understanding of the events surrounding Pegasus and the government’s involvement.
Staff coverage and public commentary have included various perspectives on the issue. Magdalena Sroka stated that she asked the police to determine Ziobro’s place of residence, while other commentators weighed in on the broader political implications. The public debate has touched on concerns about accountability and the conduct of state authorities in high-profile probes. Observers note the tension between enforcing investigation procedures and respecting the health and legal rights of a minister who remains an active political figure. Analysts and political observers in the country have highlighted that the discussion extends beyond a single summons and reflects broader questions about governance, transparency, and the rule of law in contemporary Poland. These discussions continue to unfold as the inquiry proceeds and more testimony comes to light. (source: wPolityce)