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Politics
17 April 2025

Charges Filed Against MP Łukasz Mejza Over Asset Declarations

The Zielona Góra prosecutor's office indicts Mejza amid claims of false financial disclosures and political intrigue.

The District Prosecutor's Office in Zielona Góra has filed charges against MP Łukasz Mejza, primarily concerning allegations of providing false information in his asset declarations. Mejza, a member of the Law and Justice party (PiS), has denied any wrongdoing, asserting his innocence amid a backdrop of political controversy.

The investigation into Mejza's financial disclosures began on December 2, 2023, following a notification from journalist Szymon Jadczak. According to the prosecutor's office, the notification highlighted that Mejza failed to declare ownership of an apartment in his asset declaration, which contradicts entries in the land and mortgage register.

On April 17, 2025, the prosecutor's office announced that it had completed its investigation and formally submitted an indictment to the District Court in Warsaw-Central. This indictment includes 11 charges against Mejza, with the most severe penalties potentially ranging from six months to eight years in prison.

During the course of the investigation, which was confirmed at a press conference, prosecutor Ewa Antonowicz detailed that seven of the charges relate to false asset declarations submitted between 2021 and 2024. Additionally, three charges pertain to false declarations made during Mejza's tenure as Secretary of State in the Ministry of Culture, National Heritage, and Sport in 2021, while one charge involves failing to report necessary information to the Register of Benefits, a legal requirement for public officials.

Mejza's case has drawn significant media attention, not least because of his previous involvement in a scandal regarding unproven treatments for terminally ill children in 2021. Mejza claimed at the time that he was subject to a political attack, stating, "This is the biggest political attack since '89." Following these controversies, he voluntarily resigned from his ministerial position on December 23, 2021, asserting he was leaving on his own terms.

In January 2025, Mejza was questioned by prosecutors as a suspect and formally presented with the 11 charges. Despite the gravity of the allegations, he has maintained that he has a "completely clean conscience" and expressed confidence in his ability to refute the charges in court. "I will gladly confront the prosecutor and knock them out with facts," he declared during a speech in the Sejm, where he also announced his decision to waive his parliamentary immunity on December 1, 2024.

Mejza's legal troubles have not only affected his political career but have also led to scrutiny of his business dealings. In 2021, his company, Future Wolves, was investigated for fraud and document forgery concerning fictitious training courses funded by EU grants. Reports indicated that Mejza had earned significant income from this venture, but questions arose about the legitimacy of the services provided.

Furthermore, his assistants have faced legal challenges, with charges related to fraudulent activities linked to Mejza's company. One assistant reportedly expressed frustration over being implicated, stating, "I would have been better off working in a kebab shop. At least I wouldn't have charges against me." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among Mejza's former associates regarding the fallout from his legal issues.

As the case progresses, Mejza's supporters argue that he is being targeted for political reasons, a claim that has been met with skepticism by legal authorities. Prosecutor Antonowicz emphasized that the investigation was initiated under the previous Prosecutor General and that the current administration is merely following established legal procedures.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, Mejza remains defiant. He has publicly criticized the prosecution, likening it to a Stalinist approach, and insists that he possesses documentation proving he was not required to declare certain assets, including the contested apartment.

The legal proceedings against Mejza will now enter a new phase as the court prepares to review the indictment. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Mejza's future in politics but also for the broader perception of accountability among public officials in Poland.

In summary, the case against Łukasz Mejza underscores ongoing tensions within Polish politics, where allegations of corruption and misconduct continue to spark heated debates. As the legal process unfolds, both Mejza's supporters and detractors will be closely watching the developments in this high-profile case.