According to Rzeczpospolita, the investigative team appointed by Prosecutor General Adam Bodnar to examine the legality, legitimacy, and proper use of the “Pegasus” surveillance software by public officials may be on the verge of collapse. Some of its members are reportedly unwilling to take responsibility for filing questionable charges against former ministers and government officials.
Team Falling Apart
In April of last year, Prosecutor General Adam Bodnar established an investigative team within the National Prosecutor’s Office to probe the use of Pegasus spyware by public officials. The team consisted of five experienced prosecutors and was led by Prosecutor Józef Gacek, known for his controversial 2014 raid on the offices of the Wprost magazine.
However, Rzeczpospolita now reports that the team may be disintegrating. On April 3, Prosecutor Grzegorz Talarek resigned from the team. And he may not be the last. According to journalists, Prosecutor Andrzej Rybak is also considering stepping down due to disagreements over the charges being pursued. Prosecutor Artur Kassyk has likewise raised concerns about the quality of the evidence gathered by investigators.
Rzeczpospolita openly refers to a “prosecutors’ rebellion,” with several members arguing that the current evidence does not justify pressing criminal charges.