Polish Minister Accuses Lawyer of Drafting Presidential Bill & Russian Ties

Legal Battle Looms as Lewandowski Announces Lawsuit Against Żurek

A legal clash is brewing between lawyer Bartosz Lewandowski and Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek following remarks made by Żurek during a press conference. Lewandowski announced his intention to file a private criminal complaint and a civil lawsuit against Żurek, stating, “You’ve gone a bit too far.” The dispute centers around allegations made by Żurek concerning Lewandowski’s involvement in the drafting of a presidential bill regarding the judiciary and his alleged connections to individuals with controversial pasts. This escalating conflict adds another layer to the ongoing political tensions surrounding the Polish legal system and the legacy of former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro.

Żurek’s Allegations: A Breakdown

During a press conference on Friday, Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek publicly questioned the origins of a presidential bill concerning judicial reform. He suggested that the bill wasn’t crafted by President Duda’s staff, but rather by individuals associated with Zbigniew Ziobro, the former Minister of Justice. Żurek specifically pointed to Lewandowski’s name appearing as the author of the justification for the bill. He presented slides alleging that Lewandowski, linked to the Ordo Iuris legal organization and representing figures like Ziobro, Łukasz Piebiak, Marcin Romanowski and Tomasz Szmydt, had a significant role in shaping the legislation. Żurek characterized the bill as serving “specific political and ideological interests” rather than being a genuine expert reform.

Lewandowski’s Response: A Firm Rebuttal and Legal Action

Bartosz Lewandowski swiftly responded to Żurek’s accusations via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He declared his intention to pursue legal action, stating a private criminal complaint and a civil lawsuit would be filed the following week. Lewandowski also emphasized that Ziobro’s immunity as a prosecutor general, even as present, is not indefinite, suggesting Żurek’s attempts to target Ziobro are time-sensitive. The lawyer’s strong reaction underscores the seriousness with which he views the allegations and his determination to defend his reputation and that of his clients.

The Context: Ziobro’s Current Status and International Protection

The dispute unfolds against the backdrop of Zbigniew Ziobro’s current situation. As reported in November 2025, Ziobro has been residing outside of Poland and has indicated he does not intend to return to avoid potential arrest. He has proposed being questioned remotely or through consular assistance. More recently, on January 12, 2026, Lewandowski announced that Ziobro had been granted international protection and political asylum in Hungary. TVN24 reports that this decision was made by the Hungarian government due to concerns over politically motivated repression in Poland. This asylum complicates any attempts by Polish authorities to pursue legal action against Ziobro directly.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Separating Fact from Allegation

It is confirmed that Waldemar Żurek made public statements questioning Lewandowski’s role in drafting the presidential bill and highlighting his connections to controversial figures. It is also confirmed that Lewandowski has announced his intention to file legal action against Żurek. It is confirmed that Ziobro has been granted political asylum in Hungary. However, the extent of Lewandowski’s involvement in the bill’s drafting remains a point of contention. Żurek presented evidence suggesting a significant role, but the precise nature of that involvement has not been independently verified. Similarly, the implications of the photos presented by Żurek – depicting Lewandowski with various individuals in Hungary and allegedly linked to Russian interests – remain unclear and require further investigation. The specific legal grounds for Żurek’s statements and the potential for defamation claims are also yet to be determined.

The Process: How Legal Action Will Unfold

The legal process initiated by Lewandowski will likely unfold in several stages. The private criminal complaint will be reviewed by prosecutors, who will decide whether to open an investigation into Żurek’s statements. If an investigation is launched, Żurek could face questioning and potential charges related to defamation or slander. The civil lawsuit will involve a separate process, where Lewandowski will seek financial compensation for damages to his reputation. The granting of political asylum to Ziobro in Hungary introduces a complex international dimension. While it doesn’t necessarily shield him from all legal proceedings, it significantly complicates extradition requests and any attempts to compel his presence in Polish courts. As reported by Polityka.se, Ziobro has indicated a willingness to be questioned abroad, potentially through consular assistance, but has no plans to return to Poland.

Political Implications: A Widening Divide

This dispute is not merely a legal matter. it has significant political implications. The clash between Lewandowski and Żurek reflects the deep divisions within Polish politics, particularly concerning the legacy of Zbigniew Ziobro and the reforms implemented during his tenure as Justice Minister. Żurek’s accusations can be seen as part of a broader effort by the current government to dismantle Ziobro’s reforms and hold him accountable for alleged abuses of power. Lewandowski’s defense of Ziobro and his willingness to pursue legal action demonstrate a continued resistance to these efforts. The granting of asylum to Ziobro in Hungary further exacerbates these tensions, raising questions about the political motivations behind the decision and the potential for international interference in Polish affairs. PAP reports on the asylum granted to Ziobro, highlighting the international dimension of the case.