Prosecutor probes Supreme Court head Kapiński for overstepping authority

Investigation launched

The National Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation on Monday, June 29, into suspected overstepping of authority by Zbigniew Kapiński, who led the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court from 2023 to May 2026. Spokesperson Anna Adamiak said the probe covers orders issued between May 8, 2024, and May 25, 2026, which allegedly violated procedural rules and harmed the rights of parties to have recusal motions heard. The investigation was triggered by a notice filed by Supreme Court judges on May 28, following an analysis of the orders and related decisions.

Kapiński calls it a political attack

Kapiński, who became First President of the Supreme Court on May 25, 2026, described the investigation as a "coordinated political action" on the same day he also received a disciplinary referral from the Supreme Court's disciplinary spokesperson.

“For me, this is a political attack on the First President of the Supreme Court.”

He linked the disciplinary case to a 2024 incident involving MEPs Maciej Wąsik and Mariusz Kamiński, saying he prevented the Labor Chamber from hearing a matter he deemed improper.

Justice minister dismisses criticism

Justice Minister and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek rejected Kapiński's accusations, stating that the investigation is conducted independently of political disputes.

“We are doing our job. I don't comment on the statements of people who contributed to destroying the system of separation of powers.”

Żurek added that Kapiński is merely acting president, not the First President, because a "so-called neo-judge" cannot hold that office. The investigation was initiated by a dedicated team of prosecutors examining the effects of rulings by judges appointed under the post-2017 National Council of the Judiciary.

Disciplinary case also moves forward

Alongside the criminal probe, the disciplinary spokesperson for the Supreme Court sent Kapiński a notice on Monday that a disciplinary case regarding the January 2024 incident had been referred to the Professional Responsibility Chamber. Kapiński disclosed the letter arrived "before 4 p.m.," just hours before the prosecutor's announcement. The convergence of the two proceedings has fueled his view of a coordinated campaign. The Prosecutor's Office said its investigation will now involve formal procedural steps and a comprehensive review of all evidence, including hearings of the judges who filed the initial notice.