English Section

Polish deputy prosecutor general suspended over alleged coup investigation

11.02.2025 12:12
Michał Ostrowski, Poland’s deputy prosecutor general, has been suspended for six months after initiating an investigation into an alleged coup attempt by the current government.
Deputy Prosecutor General Michał Ostrowski in an archival photo taken on February 26, 2024, in Warsaw.
Deputy Prosecutor General Michał Ostrowski in an archival photo taken on February 26, 2024, in Warsaw.PAP/Paweł Supernak

Prosecutor General Adam Bodnar justified the decision by citing Ostrowski’s involvement in a case triggered by Bogdan Święczkowski, head of the Constitutional Tribunal, who accused the ruling authorities of undermining tribunal rulings and questioning the legitimacy of its judges.

Ostrowski proceeded with the inquiry, summoning several officials for questioning, including Święczkowski, the first president of the Supreme Court, and the head of the National Council of the Judiciary.

Suspended for investigating a coup that never happened

The National Prosecutor’s Office argued that Ostrowski’s actions violated fundamental prosecutorial principles and risked politicizing the institution.

Officials warned that his conduct could constitute not only a disciplinary offense but potentially a criminal act. The suspension, they stated, aims to protect the prosecution’s credibility and the public interest.

Bodnar’s decision took immediate effect, though Ostrowski retains the right to appeal to a disciplinary court. In an interview with right-wing media, he announced plans to challenge the ruling after reviewing its details.

Source: IAR/PAP/X/Prokuratura Krajowa

(m p)