Polish former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro faces renewed court scrutiny over extradition and judge impartiality

Deputy justice minister Arkadiusz Myrcha said a request for Ziobro's extradition to the United States will be filed following the Warsaw district court's decision to keep his arrest in place. The former minister faces 26 charges, including directing an organised crime group and abusing the Justice Fund to grant illicit grants.

Prosecutors have also moved to disqualify three appellate judges in the case, arguing bias. The latest request targets judge Przemysław Filipkowski, adding to earlier exclusions of judges Anna Nowakowska and Dariusz Drajewicz. If the judge is removed, a new, impartial judge will be selected to hear the appeal on the European arrest warrant. The legal saga is seen as a significant factor ahead of Poland's upcoming parliamentary elections.