A fugitive Polish opposition politician, Marcin Romanowski, has reportedly sent a letter from Transnistria, a pro-Russian breakaway region of Moldova, to a Polish court, according to officials and media reports. The letter, addressed to Warsaw's district court handling extradition matters, was confirmed by court representatives to have originated from Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria. Romanowski, a former deputy justice minister, has been on the run since fleeing Hungary earlier this year after losing political protection following the change in leadership in Budapest. Romanowski’s letter indicates that he is currently residing in Tiraspol and requests safe passage to Poland to face legal proceedings. According to Przemysław Nowak, a spokesperson for Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office, Romanowski expressed willingness to appear in court or before prosecutors, provided he is not detained. However, prosecutors have yet to formally respond to his request. Transnistria, a region in eastern Moldova bordering Ukraine, declared independence in the early 1990s and fought a brief war with Moldova between 1990 and 1992. Though it functions as a de facto state, it lacks international recognition. The area is heavily influenced by Russia, which maintains a military peacekeeping force within its borders. Its symbols include the Soviet-era hammer and sickle, reflecting its historical alignment with Moscow. Romanowski’s apparent presence in Transnistria has drawn criticism from Polish officials. Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk suggested that Romanowski might be under the influence of Russian intelligence, citing concerns over the region’s ties to Moscow. Paweł Wojtunik, a former head of Poland’s Central Anticorruption Bureau and a former official in Moldova, stated that entering or living in Transnistria requires approval from local security forces, which are directly controlled by Russian agencies such as the GRU and FSB. Even some members of Romanowski’s own party, the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS), have distanced themselves from his current situation. Przemysław Czarnek, a deputy leader of PiS, acknowledged during an interview with Polsat News that while Romanowski’s location in Transnistria has not been definitively confirmed, being present in the region would represent a serious breach of conduct. Romanowski held the position of deputy justice minister in the previous PiS government from 2019 until 2023. Despite fleeing Poland in December 2024 after prosecutors initiated charges against him for 11 alleged offenses, including participation in activities deemed illegal, he continues to serve as a member of parliament. His flight followed a period of political instability in Hungary, where he had initially sought asylum after the change in government. The Polish authorities have been actively seeking Romanowski’s arrest and extradition, with efforts intensifying after his disappearance. His recent communication from Transnistria has raised new questions about his potential involvement with Russian-aligned entities and the implications for Poland’s ongoing legal and diplomatic challenges. Romanowski’s case has sparked discussions within Poland regarding the intersection of politics, law enforcement, and foreign relations. His alleged presence in a region with close ties to Russia adds complexity to the already sensitive issue of fugitives and international cooperation in legal matters. As investigations continue, the situation remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days. Polish prosecutors have not yet made a formal decision on Romanowski’s request for safe passage, leaving the possibility open for further negotiations or actions. Meanwhile, the broader implications of his location and the nature of his communications remain under scrutiny by both domestic and international observers.
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