Former Deputy Justice Minister Detained Amid Misuse of Public Funds Probe

A former Polish deputy justice minister, Marcin Romanowski, was detained after losing parliamentary immunity. He faces allegations of misusing public funds for political campaigning. The probe involves the arch-conservative Sovereign Poland party, linked to the previous nationalist Law and Justice government. Romanowski denies the politically motivated accusations.

A former Polish deputy justice minister, Marcin Romanowski, was detained by the Internal Security Agency on Monday after losing his parliamentary immunity, according to his lawyer. The detention is part of a probe into the alleged misuse of public funds for political campaigning.

Prosecutors claim that members of the Sovereign Poland party, a junior partner in the Law and Justice (PiS) government, misappropriated money from the Justice Fund, meant to assist crime victims. Over PiS's eight-year tenure, critics accused it of undermining democratic norms and transforming public media into a government propaganda tool.

Authorities allege Romanowski committed 11 offenses, including exceeding his powers and causing financial losses to the state treasury. He is expected to face charges and questioning at the National Prosecutor's Office. Romanowski vehemently denies the accusations, labeling them as politically motivated.

Reports suggest fund money was used to gain favor with rural voters, purchasing items like fire engines and equipment for local associations. Additionally, prosecutors claim 25 million zlotys ($6.41 million) from the fund was spent on Pegasus phone-hacking software.

Another Sovereign Poland legislator, Michal Wos, also lost his parliamentary immunity amid similar allegations. Wos denies any wrongdoing, stating that Pegasus was used for crime-fighting purposes. The new pro-European government led by Donald Tusk has reportedly enabled prosecutors to investigate previously concealed misconduct during the prior administration.

Justice Minister Adam Bodnar indicated on Monday that more charges could be forthcoming against figures linked to the previous government, though no final decisions have been made yet. ($1 = 3.8981 zlotys)

(With inputs from agencies.)