US sidesteps Polish visa query on Ziobro, Kurski denies sheltering ex-minister as European arrest warrant founders
The State Department refused to discuss Zbigniew Ziobro’s US visa, while Jacek Kurski told prosecutors he never hosted the former justice minister at his Washington-area home. The dual developments cloud Warsaw’s ability to extradite a man it charges with 26 offences.
Washington sends a note back without details
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs had asked the US to explain the legal and factual basis on which Zbigniew Ziobro entered American territory, and which travel document he used. On 11 June the State Department replied that it does not comment on visa decisions. Formal matters linked to the criminal proceedings would be handled through established legal and diplomatic channels, under bilateral agreements and national law, MFA spokesman Maciej Wewiór told Fakt. The file will now be managed by the prosecution with the ministry’s support.
The State Department informed us that it does not comment on visa decisions and that formal matters related to the criminal proceedings will be carried out in the modes provided for by bilateral agreements and relevant national law provisions, using established legal and diplomatic channels.
A former TVP boss in the witness box
Jacek Kurski appeared voluntarily before the National Prosecutor’s Office on Monday and answered questions about whether he helped Ziobro flee or hide. After the interview he told TVN24 that Ziobro “never lived, nor does he live, in our townhouse that I own with my wife Joanna near Washington.” He insisted he would have been honoured to host the ex-minister, but the fact did not occur.
I answered a few questions aimed at verifying media reports about my alleged role in hiding or helping Zbigniew Ziobro escape. I denied them, saying that Zbigniew Ziobro has never lived and does not live in our townhouse.
Kurski acknowledged maintaining telephone contact with Ziobro—“some small advice about schools, children, things of everyday life”—but stressed he is not involved in any criminal case. Prosecutor Przemysław Nowak confirmed the session was completed without disruption and that Kurski answered all questions.
Charges and a flight via Hungary
Prosecutors want to charge Ziobro with 26 counts, including leading an organised criminal group and using his ministerial post for criminal acts, all linked to the Justice Fund. Ziobro rejects the allegations as political. He first fled to Hungary, where Viktor Orbán’s government granted him political asylum. When a new prime minister was sworn in, Ziobro left Hungary. On 9 May he flew from Milan’s Malpensa airport to Newark, carrying a “member of foreign media” visa, according to evidence cited by prosecutor Nowak. TV Republika later announced that Ziobro would be a political commentator for the station.
The European Arrest Warrant hits a wall
A European Arrest Warrant (EAW) application was lodged with the Warsaw Regional Court in February 2026. The EAW requires a suspicion that the wanted person is on the territory of an EU member state. Since the prosecution itself has publicly acknowledged that Ziobro is in the United States, the legal basis for the warrant is in doubt. Judge Tomasz Grochowicz, who is handling the EAW case, has asked the prosecution to urgently clarify whether Ziobro is still in Hungary or any other EU country, and whether prosecutors know he has left the Schengen zone. Legal commentary suggests the court may be forced to dismiss or discontinue the EAW request.
- Warsaw court receives an application for a European Arrest Warrant for Zbigniew Ziobro.
- Ziobro departs Europe from Milan, flying to Newark on a 'member of foreign media' visa.
- US State Department replies to a Polish diplomatic note, declining to comment on visa decisions.
- Jacek Kurski testifies before the National Prosecutor's Office, denying he hosted Ziobro.
The proceeding went smoothly, the witness gave testimony. He answered all questions, meaning he did not evade them groundlessly.
