Ex-Polish Minister Ziobro Arrives in US from Hungary

Poland's former justice minister, Zbigniew Ziobro, confirmed on Sunday that he has traveled to the United States from Hungary, where he had been granted asylum, despite Polish authorities having revoked his travel documents amid criminal charges against him.

Ziobro, who served as justice minister and prosecutor general from 2015 to 2023, faces 26 charges including abuse of power, leading an organized criminal group and misappropriating funds from the Justice Fund, a state resource intended to aid crime victims. Prosecutors allege the misuse involved around 150 million zloty, potentially for acquiring surveillance software to target political opponents. Conviction could carry up to 25 years in prison. His parliamentary immunity was lifted in November, but he had already left Poland for Hungary.

In a video interview aired by TV Republika and posted to his social media, Ziobro stated he arrived in the United States the previous day. A photo published by TVN24 showed him at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Saturday. He said he plans to work as a political commentator for the broadcaster. Regarding potential extradition, Ziobro remarked, "I am ready to appear...