In the midst of a heated political standoff in Poland, President Andrzej Duda announced on Tuesday that he would once again pardon two opposition politicians who were arrested earlier in the month. The ongoing dispute involves a clash between the new centrist government and the previous conservative administration. Duda, closely affiliated with the Law and Justice party, made the decision after the new justice minister rejected his plea for a pardon procedure for the two senior opposition members who served in the prior right-wing government until December.
Appeal to Release Opposition Members Denied
Following the justice minister’s refusal, Duda appealed to Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, also the prosecutor general, to release the imprisoned opposition members immediately. Despite initial resistance, both politicians were released a few hours later, greeted by their wives and supportive crowds. Duda cited his concern for the health of the incarcerated politicians and acknowledged the sentiment of a portion of Polish society that aligns with the Law and Justice party as factors influencing his decision.
Controversial Second Pardon Raises Legal Questions
This marks the second time President Duda has pardoned the two opposition members, with the first pardon occurring in 2015. Legal experts have questioned the effectiveness of the 2015 pardon, arguing it was premature since the final appeal in their case had not been heard, and the court procedure was incomplete. Despite Duda’s initial insistence that he could not grant another pardon, he justified his decision on Tuesday by pointing to the inmates’ situation and the government’s refusal to release them.
Imprisoned Opposition Members’ Legal Troubles
Former Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński and his ex-deputy, Maciej Wąsik, both members of the Law and Justice party, were arrested on January 9 and held separately. The charges against them relate to abuse of power and forging documents for actions taken in 2007 during their service in an earlier Law and Justice-led government. The 2015 pardon by Duda has been criticized as indicative of his disregard for Poland’s legal system and perceived bias towards the Law and Justice party.
Supreme Court Overturns Previous Pardon
In June, Poland’s Supreme Court overturned the 2015 pardons and ordered a retrial. In December, Kamiński and Wąsik were convicted again and sentenced to two years in prison. The recent arrests occurred at Duda’s presidential palace, where the opposition members were seemingly seeking protection. The president’s decision to grant a second pardon has reignited concerns about the rule of law and political influence in Poland’s legal processes.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Reuters
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