PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński strongly condemned the recent verdict against Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik, expressing concern over what he labelled a scandalous and unjust sentence for their anti-corruption efforts. The two figures, previously pardoned by President Andrzej Duda, received a two-year prison term linked to the ‘land affair,’ stirring controversy and renewed discussions about the Polish judicial system’s integrity.
Kamiński, former head of the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA), and Wąsik, his deputy at the Ministry of Interior and Administration, faced legal repercussions despite their prior pardons. Szymon Hołownia, the Marshal of the Sejm, announced the termination of their parliamentary mandates on December 21, following the verdict’s announcement.
In a press conference, Kaczyński criticized the judiciary’s handling of the case, equating the judgment to the dark era of communism. He vehemently argued that the current administration lacks the will to combat corruption, highlighting what he perceives as a systemic issue within the III Republic system, emphasizing that corruption was a foundation of this post-communist era.
“Let both gentlemen be sentenced in a scandalous and completely unlawful manner for fighting corruption. The power today does not want to fight corruption,” Kaczyński stated, underscoring the significance of their pardon by President Duda and expressing hope for accountability for those responsible for the alleged abuses.
Additionally, Kaczyński raised concerns about the state of the Polish judiciary, citing personal experiences dating back to his involvement in opposition activities since 1976. He referenced instances of egregious misconduct within the courts during the communist era, shedding light on a specific case involving a militia officer’s dispute with a family, leading to their unjust trial for defending themselves against the officers’ assault.
The PiS leader highlighted a disconcerting revelation about a former official who not only remained in the judiciary despite involvement in controversial cases but also assumed a role in training young judges.
Kaczyński’s remarks have reignited debates about the integrity and independence of the Polish judicial system, prompting calls for a thorough examination of the legal proceedings against Kamiński and Wąsik and broader discussions about the state of anti-corruption efforts within the country.
The controversy surrounding this case continues to unfold, with public scrutiny intensifying amid growing concerns over the intersection of politics and justice in Poland.