Prosecutors in Kraków prepare new trial in case of journalist Ziętara's murder
Prosecutors in Kraków are preparing for a new trial in the case of the disappearance and alleged murder of investigative journalist Jarosław Ziętara from 1992, after a court in Poznań ordered evidence to be supplemented.
Prosecutors in Kraków prepare new trial in case of journalist Ziętara's murder
Prosecutors from the National Prosecutor's Office in Kraków are preparing to reconsider the case of the disappearance and alleged murder of investigative journalist Jarosław Ziętara, which took place in 1992. This decision came after an order from the court in Poznań on 25 May, which obliged prosecutors to supplement evidence in the case.
In December last year, the appellate court overturned the acquittal from 2022 of two men: Mirosław R., known as "Ryba", and Dariusz L., pseudonym "Lala". The court ruled that the gathered evidence was sufficient to convict them of Ziętara's abduction and aiding his murder. In its ruling, the court stressed that the journalist was attacked because of his reports concerning influential business groups. The case was sent back for reconsideration.
Eryk Stasielak, head of the Organised Crime and Corruption Department at the Kraków branch of the National Prosecutor's Office, informed the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in an interview that a separate investigation is also underway to identify individuals who may have commissioned the murder. Among the suspects may be politicians, figures connected to organised crime, and former security service officers.
"The forthcoming retrial in the Jarosław Ziętara murder case gives Polish authorities a long-awaited opportunity to uncover the full truth and finally bring this case to full accountability," said Attila Mong, CPJ representative for Europe. "More than three decades after Ziętara's disappearance, prosecutors must ensure that every lead is fully investigated."
Stasielak told the CPJ that prosecutors are convinced that Ziętara was murdered because of his articles. "He investigated connections between businessmen, organised crime and politicians and was preparing material when he was killed for getting too close to the matter," he explained. He added that investigators are analysing state archives and records of former security services, as there is suspicion that they may have been involved in the murder.
"We will do everything possible to solve this case. It is one of the most important investigations in our office and whilst I cannot guarantee success, I can guarantee our determination," Stasielak assured.
Trial dates have not yet been announced.
Source: Committee to Protect Journalists
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)