The Sejm has passed a resolution to set up a commission to investigate the tragic death of former Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) MP Barbara Blida. 281 MPs were for, 5 against, 140 abstained.

Barbara Blida shot herself in April in her bathroom, shortly after officers from the Internal Security Agency (ABW) came to search her house and detain her, as she was a suspect in the case of corruption in coal trade. The commission is to investigate, among others, the legality of detaining Blida and if the officers conducted the search according to procedures.

The commission will have 7 members – 3 from ruling Civic Platform (PO), 2 from Law and Justice (PiS) and one from Left and Democrats (LiD) and Polish Peasants Party (PSL) each. PiS’s motion to include the so-called “coal scandal” into the tasks of the committee was rejected.   

The debate on the committee was very heated. PMs from different parties accused each other of bias and “moral responsibility” for Blida’s death. The session was often interrupted for recess. (mo)