Today's decision to bring Zbigniew Ziobry, erstwhile Minister of Justice and current leader of Sovereign Poland before the Parliamentary Committee on Pegasus caused a wave of controversy and political tension.
The case concerns his function in the controversial Pegasus program, which aimed at monitoring citizens utilizing software developed by the Israeli NSO Group.
The Pegasus programme, presented as a tool to combat terrorism and crime, has become the subject of fierce criticism from human rights and media organisations. According to reports, this program was utilized to monitor not only criminals, but besides journalists, activists and politicians, which raised serious concerns about privacy violations and civilian liberties.
Zbigniew Ziobro, as Minister of Justice in the PiS government, had a key function in implementing the Pegasus programme. His actions in this case were frequently criticised by opposition and NGOs who accused him of abuse and illegal surveillance. Supporters of Ziobra and his organization emphasize that this is another example of political harassment and attempts to intimidate the opposition. Sam b. Minister rejects the charges.
– If the police come, I'll inform them that the Constitutional Court's rulings are binding on them. I realize they're acting on orders, this is simply a formation.. I'll give them tea or coffee if they wish, and then I'll go with them to the place that's meant to be. If specified a decision is taken by the court, says Ziobro on Friday, before the SO decision in Warsaw.
