In a surprising turn of events, former Deputy Minister of Justice Marcin Romanowski, who fled to Hungary and received political asylum, will not be pursued by Interpol with a red notice. This decision, confirmed by RMF FM, marks a significant setback for Polish authorities seeking to prosecute Romanowski for alleged crimes related to the Justice Fund.
Romanowski, a member of the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), has been under investigation for his involvement in a series of irregularities involving state subsidies, with accusations including participation in an organized criminal group and manipulation of funding competitions. The Polish prosecutor's office has laid out 11 charges against him, asserting that he abused his powers and failed to fulfill his obligations, causing substantial damage to state property.
On December 9, 2024, a Polish court issued a temporary arrest warrant for Romanowski, but authorities were unable to locate him. It was later revealed that he had sought refuge in Hungary, where he was granted asylum, with Hungarian officials citing concerns over his ability to receive a fair trial in Poland.
Following his asylum, the Polish authorities issued a European Arrest Warrant for Romanowski. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Interpol declined to issue a red notice for his arrest. The international police organization did not provide specific reasons for its decision, invoking confidentiality principles. Nevertheless, unofficial reports suggest that the asylum granted by Hungary played a crucial role in Interpol's refusal.
Anna Adamiak, spokesperson for the Polish Prosecutor General, confirmed that all data related to Romanowski's case submitted to Interpol will be deleted, effectively concluding the international search for him. This outcome means that the only avenue left for Polish authorities to pursue Romanowski internationally is through a European Arrest Warrant, which is limited to EU jurisdictions.
Romanowski's legal troubles stem from his alleged involvement with the Justice Fund, which has been under scrutiny for various irregularities. The prosecutor's office claims he was part of a scheme to manipulate state funding processes for personal gain. According to reports, the investigation into the Justice Fund has been characterized by Romanowski and other PiS officials as politically motivated, labeling it a "political revenge using the prosecutor's office".
In a statement reflecting on Interpol's decision, Romanowski expressed a sense of vindication, suggesting that the refusal to issue a red notice was a rejection of politically motivated persecution. He stated, "Interpol does not engage as a serious institution in various types of political actions or political persecutions. This is unfortunately a disgrace to the Polish state, especially this government and the illegal prosecutor's office.”
Despite the legal challenges he faces, Romanowski resigned from his position as a professional MP on January 2, 2025, announcing he would no longer receive a salary from the Sejm. This resignation came as the prosecutor's office was preparing to bring additional charges against him, prompting another request for the revocation of his parliamentary immunity.
As the political landscape in Poland continues to shift, the implications of this case extend beyond Romanowski himself. The refusal by Interpol to pursue him has raised questions about the integrity of the Polish justice system and the potential for political interference in legal proceedings. Critics argue that the government is using the prosecutor's office as a tool for political gain, undermining the rule of law.
Experts have noted that Interpol typically engages in serious criminal investigations involving terrorism, human trafficking, and organized crime, suggesting that the nature of the allegations against Romanowski may not have met the threshold for their involvement. Violetta Lis, a legal expert, highlighted that Interpol's focus is on the most severe cases, which may have influenced their decision.
The Polish prosecutor's office remains determined to pursue Romanowski through the European Arrest Warrant process, aiming to gather evidence and build a case against him in cooperation with other EU member states. In early April 2025, the prosecutor's office issued a European Investigation Order, which allows for procedural activities in other EU countries to gather evidence for criminal cases.
As this situation unfolds, it reflects broader tensions within Poland's political system, particularly regarding the independence of the judiciary and the use of legal mechanisms for political purposes. Observers will be watching closely to see how this case develops and what it means for the future of political accountability in Poland.
In conclusion, Marcin Romanowski's case serves as a focal point for ongoing debates about justice and politics in Poland, raising critical questions about the integrity of legal processes and the potential for political interference in the judicial system.
