Former Minister of Justice, Zbigniew Ziobro, during a proceeding before the Parliamentary Pegasus Investigative Committee, openly admitted to initiating the acquisition of a controversial spy system. Moreover, he declared that he was “sudden” of this decision, claiming that the tool was utilized to combat the most serious crimes. This message sheds fresh light on a case that has been raising immense emotions and questions about state surveillance boundaries for years. Will Ziobra's declaration calm the mood, or will it only fuel the debate on the safety of the Poles in 2025?
This groundbreaking information, revealed during an intense hearing, immediately became a central point of public discussion. Ziobro, with his typical firmness, defended his decision, stressing that it was dictated by the request to fight economical and mafia crime effectively. In a time of expanding digital threats and increasingly sophisticated methods of action of criminals, the issue of the tools of the service is crucial. However, the way Pegasus is financed and lawfully utilized inactive raises serious questions that may have far-reaching consequences for all citizen.
Ziobro: Initiator and Defender of Pegasus
A multi-hour proceeding before the parliamentary committee of enquiry revealed what many suspected – Zbigniew Ziobro personally initiated the acquisition of Pegasus. The erstwhile Minister of Justice not only confirmed his role, but besides declared that he was “proud” of this decision. As he emphasized, the motivation to introduce this tool was the fight against crime, which "defrauded Polish assets". Ziobro cited concrete examples, specified as loud cases Sławomir Nowaka, accused of corruption and directing an global crime group, or Romana Giertych in the context of the Polnordu case.
Ziobro argued that Pegasus was a essential tool in the hands of prosecutors and services to penetrate complex criminal networks. "It was Pegasus who served to detect the actions of people who embezzled Polish assets," he said, pointing out the request to have high-tech resources in the fight against modern crime. In his opinion, without specified tools, the state would be powerless against organised groups that usage the latest technologies to hide their activities. This position, although firm, inactive leaves an open question about the proportionality and transparency of the usage of specified systems.
Financing from the Justice Fund: Controversy inactive Alive
One of the most disputed aspects of buying Pegasus is its funding. Zbigniew Ziobro admitted that asked then Deputy Minister Michał Wosi to analyse and implement the financing of the acquisition of the strategy from the Justice Fund. This fund, originally designed to aid victims of crime and witnesses, has become a origin of resources for the acquisition of advanced spyware, which has sparked a wave of criticism and allegations of irregularities. The committee of enquiry is keen to clarify whether the ministry intentionally misled the Ministry of Finance by providing unclear reasons for the transfer of funds.
Ziobro, answering questions about the legality of the financing, stated that he ‘does not know the documentation’, but, according to the assurances of Michał Wosi, there was a ‘legal basis’ for utilizing the Fund’s funds. However, this answer did not dispel doubts, but even deepened them. Legal experts and NGOs have long pointed to possible infringements in the process of raising and spending these funds. The question of whether the money to aid victims could legally be utilized to acquisition surveillance tools remains 1 of the the most crucial challenges for the Polish judiciary in 2025. Transparency in this area is crucial to restoring public confidence.
Surveillance Borders: Law or Abuse?
The erstwhile Minister of Justice categorically rejected the proposition that Pegasus should only service to combat terrorism. Ziobro emphasized that "This is simply a strategy to combat another crimes, in accordance with Polish law". He besides referred to the opinion of Bogdan Święczkowski, which was to guarantee that the strategy was safe and compatible with the applicable rules. Ziobro argued that the fight against VAT crime, which generates billions of zlotys annually, was besides an component of national security, and Pegasus could have been utilized equally effectively by the interior safety Agency (ABW) or the Central Anti-corruption Office (CBA).
Despite these assurances, the debate on surveillance limits and possible abuses is inactive ongoing. Human rights organisations and cybersecurity experts item the hazard of uncontrolled usage of specified a powerful tool that may violate fundamental civilian rights, including the right to privacy. The question of whether the strategy has been applied in accordance with the principles of proportionality and under appropriate judicial supervision remains crucial. Without clear and transparent procedures, any usage of Pegasus, even in good cause, will rise legitimate concerns about the stableness of the regulation of law.
What about Pegasus? Future of Surveillance in Poland
Zbigniew Ziobra's confession to initiate the acquisition of Pegasus and his declaration of pride in this decision will surely not end the controversy, or even intensify it. Poles have the right to know how and under what rules state services can interfere with their privacy. The debate on Pegasus is not only a substance of historical decisions, but above all of the future of surveillance in the regulation of law in 2025. Is Polish government sufficiently prepared for the challenges of advanced spy technologies?
The conclusions of the hearings of the committee of enquiry may be fundamental to shaping future regulations on operational supervision and protection of individual data. Mechanisms must be developed that will, on the 1 hand, supply effective tools for services to fight crime and, on the another hand, guarantee citizens' safety and protection against possible abuses. In the face of these disclosures, all citizen should be aware that transparency and accountability in state action are pillars of democracy.
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Ziobro admits: I bought Pegasus. Is your data safe?
