Polish Prosecutors Investigate Former Defence Minister

The news in Polish

1. prokuratura (f.)
   Instytucja państwowa zajmująca się ściganiem przestępstw. ↩︎
2. śledztwo (n.)
   Proces zbierania dowodów w sprawie karnej. ↩︎
3. zdrada (f.)
   Działanie przeciwko własnemu krajowi lub przyjacielowi. ↩︎
4. zarzut (m.)
   Oskarżenie kogoś o zrobienie czegoś złego lub nielegalnego. ↩︎
5. dotyczyć
   Być związanym z czymś, odnosić się do czegoś. ↩︎
6. decyzja (f.)
   Świadome postanowienie o zrobieniu czegoś. ↩︎
7. międzynarodowy
   Związany z wieloma krajami lub narodami. ↩︎
8. program (m.)
   Plan działań lub cykl wydarzeń. ↩︎
9. osłabić
   Zmniejszyć czyjąś siłę, wpływ lub efektywność. ↩︎

Translation

Text Comprehension

Question: What is Antoni Macierewicz being investigated for?

Question: What could be a consequence for Antoni Macierewicz if found guilty?

Vocabulary

Polish	English
prokuratura (f.)	prosecutor's office
zdrada (f.)	betrayal
dyplomatyczny	diplomatic
zarzut (m.)	allegation
decyzja (f.)	decision
osłabić	weaken

Read the full story

The allegations centre on a decision made during Macierewicz’s tenure to withdraw from an international programme for acquiring airborne refuelling aircraft, known as “Karkonosze”. The Prosecutor’s Office stated that Poland’s non-participation in this programme potentially weakened the Polish Armed Forces’ operational capabilities and adversely affected national security.

Preliminary investigations by the Mazovian Branch of the Department for Organised Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor’s Office reviewed evidence and interviewed Stróżyk. As of 2 January 2025, the prosecutor initiated a formal investigation into actions taken between November 2015 and October 2016, when Macierewicz, representing Poland, refused to join the Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) initiative.

The “Karkonosze” programme was designed to equip Poland with strategic transport, medical evacuation, and in-flight refuelling capabilities. The abandonment of this project could have posed risks to the continuity of Poland’s air defence.

Macierewicz has defended his decision, citing cost concerns and the potential for strategic control by other nations as reasons for Poland’s withdrawal. He contends that his choice was guided by the best interests of Poland and maintains it was “absolutely necessary.”

The criminal charges under Article 129 of Poland’s Penal Code, concerning diplomatic actions harmful to the country, carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.

Info: “Polish Learner News” is a service from “Let’s Learn Polish”, a language school dedicated to helping individuals master the Polish language. Through our various online courses, we provide comprehensive guidance on how to learn Polish effectively.