Barbara Skrzypek, a longtime associate of Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party, passed away on March 15, 2025, three days after being questioned by prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek in connection with the “Two Towers” real estate project involving the PiS-linked company, “Srebrna”.
Kaczyński has accused Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government of persecuting opposition figures, suggesting that Skrzypek’s death resulted from such actions. He described her as “the first fatal victim” of the current administration’s alleged oppression.
The prosecution and the legal representative of Gerald Birgfellner (the Austrian businessman associated with the “two towers” case), attorney Jacek Dubois, presents his version of events. According to him, Barbara Skrzypek did not raise any objections regarding the course of the interrogation, did not signal any health problems beyond difficulties with reading, and did not express a desire for her legal representative to participate in the interrogation. Dubois intentionally omits the fact that the representative was refused the presence during the interrogation by prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek.
The Warsaw public prosecutor’s office also refuted allegations of misconduct, stating that Skrzypek’s interrogation was conducted “amicably and without any objections from her or her legal representative” – the same representative who was refused access beforehand.
Prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek dismissed claims linking the questioning to Skrzypek’s death, emphasizing that the interrogation was conducted properly and without any reported health issues from Skrzypek.
Unmasking Bias: Ewa Wrzosek’s Troubled Career and Allegations
In recent years, prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek has become a highly controversial figure in Poland’s legal system. With a career spanning over 30 years, her actions and public statements have repeatedly sparked debates about the proper role of law enforcement in politically charged cases.
The following summary explores the key controversies and allegations that have marked her professional journey. Ewa Wrzosek has long been associated with several politically sensitive investigations. In 2020, during COVID-19 pandemics she launched an investigation into the so-called “envelope elections.” This probe was abruptly dropped, and her handling of the case drew significant criticism from her superiors. This episode subsequently led to multiple disciplinary proceedings, questioning her impartiality and professionalism.
In 2022, Wrzosek faced perhaps her most serious allegation. The Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Szczecin filed a motion to lift her immunity, accusing her of unlawfully disclosing confidential information from an investigation into bus accidents in Warsaw. The prosecution alleged that she provided sensitive details to unauthorized individuals—a move purportedly aimed at bolstering the electoral campaign of politician Rafał Trzaskowski. Wrzosek, however, has consistently denied these charges, arguing that the evidence, primarily based on text messages, could have been manipulated using advanced spyware such as Pegasus.
The death of Barbara Skrzypek less than three days after her interrogation by prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek casts a shadow over Wrzosek’s professional conduct. Skrzypek was denied the presence of her legal representative during the interrogation, and the session was not recorded, raising concerns among other prosecutors. They assert that in politically sensitive cases involving politicians, such practices, while not legally mandated, are customarily observed in prosecutorial procedures.
Beyond these formal allegations, Wrzosek’s active participation in political rallies—particularly those advocating for judicial independence—has only deepened suspicions regarding her political bias. Critics argue that her public involvement in politically charged events conflicts with the expectation of neutrality for someone in her position. Prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek engages in highly controversial social media activity, which many believe is unbecoming of her position. In one of many politically colored posts, she openly wrote about revenge, stating that “revenge is best served cold.”
The controversies surrounding Ewa Wrzosek underscore the challenging intersection between law enforcement and politics in Poland. Her career, punctuated by disciplinary actions and contentious investigations, continues to fuel debates about judicial impartiality and the politicization of legal processes. For readers interested in more detailed insights and the original reporting on these issues, please visit the source websites.
Kaczynski’s Closest Associate Dies – Further Actions Needed
President Andrzej Duda has called for a thorough investigation into Skrzypek’s treatment during the interrogation and has suggested potential legal reforms to address any procedural shortcomings.
This incident has intensified the longstanding political feud between Kaczyński and Tusk, particularly as presidential elections approach. The controversy underscores deep political divisions in Poland and raises questions about the conduct of legal proceedings involving political figures.
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Adam Bodnar, Poland’s Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General, has faced controversies including the suspension of Deputy Prosecutor General Michał Ostrowski for unauthorized actions, efforts to revoke parliamentary immunity of opposition MPs, and allegations of politically motivated prosecutions.
