Le gouvernement hongrois a retiré le statut de réfugié à l'ancien ministre polonais, a annoncé Varsovie.

The Polish former Minister of Justice, Zbigniew Ziobro, along with his wife Patrycja Kotecka-Ziobro and his former deputy Marcin Romanowski, have had their refugee status revoked by the Hungarian government. This decision was confirmed by Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski on social media, who stated he received written confirmation from Hungary that the trio's refugee status has been canceled and their travel documents invalidated. The move comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against Ziobro and Romanowski in Poland, where they face charges of misusing funds intended for victims of criminal activity. These allegations include the purchase of the Pegasus surveillance software, which was allegedly used against domestic political opponents. Both men deny any wrongdoing and claim they are victims of persecution under the current government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, which replaced the previous PiS administration in 2023.

Hungary granted political asylum to Romanowski first, followed by Ziobro, who became a prominent figure in controversial judicial reforms implemented by the previous conservative government. Relations between the Tusk government and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán-led cabinet were already strained, partly due to the granting of asylum to Ziobro and Romanowski. However, after Hungary’s parliamentary elections in April, the opposition party Tisza Péter Magyar emerged victorious, and during the campaign, Magyar had pledged to hand over Ziobro if he won. Ziobro reportedly left for the United States from Milan on May 9, the day Magyar was inaugurated as prime minister. According to reports, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau instructed officials at the Department of State to facilitate Ziobro’s visa application, although both Landau and the diplomatic corps declined to comment on this matter.

Poland is now seeking explanations from the United States and Hungary regarding how Ziobro could have traveled to the U.S., given that Polish authorities have already revoked the validity of his passport. Poland’s Minister of Justice, Waldemar Żurek, stated on social media that they would approach relevant institutions in the United States to inquire whether individuals without valid travel documents can continue residing in the country. Ziobro responded to Polish media, stating that a visa is independent of the document on which it was issued and allows him to reside in the country regardless of whether the underlying document remains valid.

Meanwhile, Romanowski’s whereabouts remain unclear. According to reports, he moved out of his Budapest apartment at the end of April and has since been traveling around the Balkans. He was recently spotted in Serbia and Croatia. His movements suggest he is avoiding direct confrontation with Polish authorities while maintaining a low profile.

The situation highlights the complex interplay between international law, national sovereignty, and political tensions. Hungary’s revocation of the refugee status of Ziobro and Romanowski aligns with its broader policy of tightening immigration controls and reinforcing national security measures. This decision also reflects the shifting political landscape in Hungary, where the newly elected government under Magyar has taken a more assertive stance on issues involving foreign nationals and political asylum seekers.

In Poland, the legal battle against Ziobro and Romanowski continues, with the government emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. The case has drawn attention to the ethical implications of using advanced surveillance technology for political purposes, raising questions about privacy rights and the potential misuse of such tools. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how international jurisdictions respond to these allegations and whether they will cooperate with Polish authorities in addressing the concerns raised.

The international community is watching closely as this case tests the limits of diplomatic cooperation and the enforcement of international laws related to asylum and travel documentation. With Ziobro now in the United States and Romanowski remaining elusive, the situation underscores the challenges faced by governments in managing cross-border legal and political disputes. As the story develops, further clarity is needed on the roles played by various stakeholders, including the U.S. government, Hungarian authorities, and the European Union, in ensuring that justice is served while respecting the rule of law and human rights protections.