The Internal Security Agency of Poland recently announced an investigation into former judge Szmydt Tomasz, who fled to Belarus and claimed asylum. The focal point of this investigation is centered around Tomasz’s potential access to classified information.
Appointed as a judge in 2012, Tomasz was reportedly on holiday leave when he absconded. Upon his request for political asylum coming to light, the Provincial Administrative Court requested the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against him for breach of professional ethical rules encapsulated in the Law on the Organization of the Common Courts. Concurrently, the National Prosecutor’s Office is also reportedly investigating potential breaches of Poland’s criminal code by Tomasz.
Tomasz’s asylum claim appears to serve as a protest against what he perceives as Poland’s aggressive policies towards Belarus and Russia. Tomasz has publicly expressed his beliefs that the Polish authorities, under US and UK influence, are advocating for war with Russia.
The development has sparked significant controversy, with Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski labeling Tomasz as a “traitor.”
Notably, Tomasz was a part of a 2019 scandal, involving his participation in a Whatsapp group known as “Kasta.” The group, which included the acting Deputy Minister for Justice, allegedly discussed strategies to defame judges opposing judicial reforms formulated by the Law and Justice Party (PiS). These reforms were subsequently deemed breaching the rule of law by the Court of Justice of the European Union, undermining the independence of Poland’s courts. This breach resulted in the highest ever daily fine issued by the Court.
However, in a contrasting turn of events, the European Commission recently ceased its proceedings against Poland, citing the current government’s laudable efforts to improve judicial independence.
For further details, read the full report at Jurist.