Justice Minister Andrzej Czuma

Poland’s prime minister Minister Donald Tusk has named former anti-communist opposition activist Andrzej Czuma as the new justice minister. He replaces Zbigniew Cwiakalski, who resigned amidst an uproar after three men convicted in the same high-profile kidnapping and murder case died in prison.

'He received one of the highest sentences for his opposition activities, knows what manual labor and emigration mean. He is an honest and energetic man' – that is how Prime Minister Donald Tusk recommended Andrzej Czuma for the post of justice minister. 'I expect that in his hands the justice ministry will be an institution which will operate in a way has been functioning throughout his life, that we will have an honest and energetic minister, showing calm one derives from experience and a rich life.'

Czuma, a 70 year old lawyer and historian, was one of the founders of the first opposition movements in Poland. In 1970, the communist authorities sentenced him to seven years in prison. He spent around 20 years in the United States, but came back and became a member of the parliament in 2006. Since February 2008, he has chaired the parliamentary commission on political pressure in the justice system. Having accepted the nomination, Czuma told a press conference in Warsaw: 'We have to strengthen the sense of security among the citizens and make the people regard this state as their own.'

For most politicians the nomination of Andrzej Czuma came as a surprise. The liberal ruling coalition deputies described him as a good candidate. The opposition had mixed feelings. Though MPs of the biggest opposition party, the Law and Justice, respect Czuma, they are convinced that PM Donald Tusk was desperately seeking for a candidate who could replace Zbigniew Cwiakalski. Poland’s conservative president Lech Kaczynski said he will not oppose this nomination.

Andrzej Czuma said he will take a closer look at the work of the law enforcement bodies and sever any links that may exist between them and the crime world. In one of his moves he will meet on Monday with the family of kidnap and murder victim Krzysztof Olewnik. The case came to the limelight again after a killer convicted in it was found hanged in his cell last Monday. In 2007 and 2008 two other killers of Olewnik were found hanged. This has led to speculation that they were driven to suicide by the still unknown persons who masterminded the kidnapping and now sought to protect themselves. The family of the victim have long been accusing the law enforcement bodies of having botched the case.

Some commentators say that Andrzej Czuma will adopt the role of a sheriff. It is also pointed out that he has no experience as a lawyer. Leszek Szymowski of the weekly Wprost believes this may be his asset because he will not be bound by any loyalties.

Andrzej Czuma has been championing the idea of liberalizing Poland’s strict law on the possession and acquisition of firearms. In his view, decisions in this matter should be taken by local authorities.

Click on the audio icon to listen to the report by Krystyna Kołosowska.