Ziobro, a PiS MP and one of the most powerful figures in Poland’s former conservative government, had previously been staying in Hungary, where he received international protection. On Sunday, he said on an independent right-wing broadcaster, Telewizja Republika that he was in the United States. Republika also announced that he would serve as its political commentator in the US. Polish prosecutors accuse Ziobro of leading an organized criminal group and abusing his office in connection with the Justice Fund, a state program intended to support victims of crime. He denies wrongdoing and has described the proceedings against him as politically motivated. The case follows months of legal action against Ziobro, including the annulment of his passport. Poland’s Foreign Ministry said it would ask both the United States and Hungary what documents enabled Ziobro to cross borders and enter the US after his passports had been invalidated. Prosecutors are also examining whether other people helped him avoid criminal liability. National Prosecutor Dariusz Korneluk said TV Republika editor-in-chief Tomasz Sakiewicz would be questioned as a witness over Ziobro’s sudden employment by the station and whether it could be linked to aiding and abetting.
