There is an investigation regarding Macierewicz. National prosecutor’s office writes about “betrayal”
The national prosecutor’s office published a communique in which it announced the initiation of an investigation into “diplomatic betrayal”. This is about the former head of the Ministry of Defense – Antoni Macierewicz.
PK reports that at the end of November a notification was received by the chairman of the commission for investigating Russian and Belurusian influences – Brigadier General Jarosław Stróżyk – on suspicion of committing the crime of “diplomatic treason” by Macierewicz.
“The act that was the subject of the notification was to prevent Poland from joining the international program for the purchase of aerial refueling aircraft, known as “Karkonosze”. Failure to acquire the above-mentioned aircraft was to result in a reduction in the capabilities of the armed forces and negatively affect the strategic security of the state,” we read.
The national prosecutor’s office reveals details of the investigation regarding Macierewicz
As indicated by the PK, the notification was sent to the Masovian branch of the Department of Organized Crime and Corruption based in Warsaw. This was done “for the purpose of procedural recognition”. “As part of the verification proceedings, appropriate documentation was obtained and Gen. Stężyk was interviewed as a reporting witness.”
After collecting evidence, on January 2, an investigation was launched into the activities from November 2015 to October 2016 “to the detriment of Poland” by the former head of the Ministry of National Defense, “authorized to act on behalf of the Republic of Poland in relations with the government of a foreign country and a foreign organization, in connection with with the decision not to join Poland in the Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet program under the “Karkonosze” program. The prosecutor’s office explains that “the program was intended to enable Poland to obtain the ability to conduct strategic transport, medical evacuation and air refueling.”
The penalty for “diplomatic treason” is 10 years in prison
“Failure to join the above-mentioned program could have a negative impact on the strategic security of the state by significantly reducing the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces and a real threat to ensuring the continuity of the country’s air defense. Moreover, it caused damage to the property of the Ministry of National Defense in the total amount of EUR 473,600, constituting expenses incurred in connection with preparations for joining the above-mentioned program,” we read. The PK states that the crime is punishable by imprisonment – up to a maximum of 10 years.
