Poland’s president, Andrzej Duda, aligned with the populist Law and Justice (PiS) party, has started the process to pardon two politicians who were arrested and detained for abuse of power. The arrest of Mariusz Kamiński, the former interior minister, and his deputy, Maciej Wąsik, is the latest episode in a struggle between Poland’s new centrist government led by Donald Tusk and the right-wing opposition. This move by Duda would defy a supreme court ruling and has prompted thousands of protesters to gather in Warsaw against the new pro-EU government.

Background

The former interior minister, Mariusz Kamiński, and his deputy, Maciej Wąsik, were arrested at the Presidential Palace for abuse of power and subsequently taken to prison. This arrest has further intensified the political tension in Poland. The right-wing opposition, frustrated over its recent loss of power, has called for supporters to protest against the moves by the new government. It’s important to note that Duda had already pardoned these politicians in 2015, although legal experts argued that the pardons were illegal at the time. Now, Duda plans to pardon them again, which has sparked widespread criticism and opposition.

Summary:

Poland’s president starts the process to pardon two politicians arrested for abuse of power

This move defies a supreme court ruling and has sparked widespread protest

The arrest of the former interior minister and his deputy is the latest episode in the ongoing political struggle

Opposition supporters protest against the new pro-EU government

Legal experts argue that the previous pardons in 2015 were illegal

The situation in Poland continues to escalate as tensions rise between the different political factions

“This move disregards the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for the democratic system in Poland.” – Legal expert