Polish Prosecutor Wants to Remove Immunity from MEPs

Warsaw (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Polish Prosecutor General Adam Bodnar has called on the European Parliament to lift the immunity of two opposition Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik, to face charges related to abuse of power and violations of a public office ban. Bodnar, who also serves as Poland's justice minister, claims that the MEPs have continued to engage in parliamentary activities despite being barred from holding public office. The charges against Kamiński and Wąsik stem from their alleged non-compliance with a public office ban, which led to their apprehension in April. Bodnar has formally requested the European Parliament's president, Roberta Metsola, for permission to initiate criminal proceedings against the two MEPs. The request will be reviewed by the European Parliament’s legal affairs committee, with discussions expected to commence in September. In response to the allegations, Kamiński and Wąsik argue that the sentences imposed on them in December are unjust, citing a previous acquittal by President Andrzej Duda in 2015. They assert that they are victims of "political revenge" from the current administration, which succeeded the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Kamiński has publicly criticized Bodnar's request, suggesting it exemplifies the politicization of the prosecutor's office. The unfolding situation highlights the ongoing tensions within Polish politics and raises questions about the independence of judicial processes in the country.