Ex-Polish Deputy Justice Minister Released Amid Immunity Controversy

Marcin Romanowski, a former Polish deputy justice minister, was released after the president of a European rights assembly confirmed his immunity. Romanowski, detained in a probe into public funds misuse, accused the government of a politically motivated witchhunt. The situation highlights tensions within Poland's political landscape.

Marcin Romanowski, a former Polish deputy justice minister, has been released after being detained in a probe over alleged misuse of public funds. The release came late on Tuesday following a statement by Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, confirming Romanowski's immunity as a member of the body.

The pro-European government of Donald Tusk has been pushing for an investigation into wrongdoing under the previous administration, an effort that the Warsaw court's decision to release Romanowski has hindered. Romanowski and other opposition lawmakers have accused the government of conducting a politically motivated witchhunt.

Prosecutors allege Romanowski committed 11 crimes, including misuse of Justice Fund money intended for crime victims. The National Prosecutor's Office is considering an appeal against the court's decision, pending a review of the written justification. The incident has caused significant diplomatic fallout, damaging Poland's international standing.

(With inputs from agencies.)