The months-long debate surrounding the illegal Pegasus investigative commission reached a critical point today. Despite lacking legal grounds, the police attempted to detain Zbigniew Ziobro and bring him before the commission’s session.
Failing to find him at home, officers entered TV Republika’s headquarters, where the former minister was giving an interview to journalist Michał Rachoń. The blatant actions, carried out in front of live cameras, marked not just a political maneuver but a direct attempt to intimidate independent media and government opponents.
“The police officers are victims in this situation because they were ordered to carry out a task that, in light of the Constitutional Tribunal’s ruling, is unlawful,” the former minister of justice stated on air.
In response to this unprecedented intervention, TV Republika’s leadership, led by President Tomasz Sakiewicz, attempted to explain to the officers that their presence at the station was a violation of media independence. The station’s management demanded that the police present a document justifying their entry into Republika’s premises.
Despite these arguments and appeals, the police returned to TV Republika once again. Before surrendering to them voluntarily, the former minister explained his reasons for refusing to appear before the commission.
“I will not appear voluntarily because the Constitutional Tribunal has issued a ruling, and I uphold the law,” he declared.
Ultimately, the former minister left the station voluntarily, accompanied by police officers.
Scenes reminiscent of a police state unfolded in front of the cameras—scuffles, journalists shouting in protest, and the officers’ relentless determination to carry out a politically motivated order.
“Violence and law violations have become the standard for this government. This government is behaving like in the worst times of communism,” the former minister stated just minutes before being taken into custody.