Poland's former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro has confirmed he has fled from Hungary to the United States, as reported on Sunday. Ziobro, who faces multiple criminal charges in Poland, including abuse of power and leading an organized criminal enterprise, stated in an interview with rightwing Polish broadcaster Republika that he arrived in the US on Saturday and has been traveling around the country.
Background of Charges
Ziobro is accused of using funds intended for crime victims to purchase Israeli Pegasus spyware, allegedly to monitor political opponents. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. He denies all charges, claiming the centrist Polish government is conducting a witch-hunt against conservatives.
Change in Hungarian Policy
After Viktor Orbán's party lost the April election, new Prime Minister Péter Magyar, sworn in on Saturday, stated that Hungary would no longer protect individuals wanted elsewhere. He specifically mentioned Ziobro and his former deputy, Marcin Romanowski, suspected of embezzling nearly 40 million euros.
Travel to the US
It remains unclear how Ziobro traveled to the US, as Poland had revoked his Polish and diplomatic passports. Local news site Onet reported that he obtained a US journalist visa linked to Republika, which later announced hiring him as a political commentator in the US.
Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek wrote on X that Poland will question the US and Hungary about the legal basis allowing Ziobro's entry without valid documents. He added that Poland will seek his extradition if his presence in the US is confirmed.
Ziobro, leader of the ultra-conservative Sovereign Poland party and former justice minister from 2015 to 2023, is known for contentious judicial reforms that sparked a standoff with the European Commission. When asked about extradition, Ziobro stated he is ready to appear before any court, particularly an independent US court, but noted that extradition cases in US courts are a demanding procedure.
