In brief

• Warsaw prosecutors have opened an investigation into MP Michał Kołodziejczak over alleged coercion and supply of narcotics.
• The probe began on 27 October and covers several dates and two alleged victims.
• The offence carries a penalty of three months to five years in prison.
• Kołodziejczak denies the claims, and Kanał Zero has refused to hand over recordings and witness details.

Investigation opened in late October

The Warsaw District Prosecutor's Office has launched proceedings against Michał Kołodziejczak, a member of parliament and former deputy minister of agriculture. The prosecutor's spokesman, Piotr Antoni Skiba, said the investigation was opened on 27 October (Śledztwo w sprawie Kołodziejczaka. Prokuratura bada poważne zarzuty – Wirtualna Polska) (Śledztwo ws. Michała Kołodziejczaka. Prokuratura wszczęła dochodzenie – Rzeczpospolita) (Sprawa Michała Kołodziejczaka. Jest ruch prokuratury – Onet) (Prokuratura wszczęła śledztwo w sprawie Michała Kołodziejczaka – RMF24). The probe covers the supply of unidentified narcotics on several dates to two people, one identified and one not, with one known date and one unknown date (Ruszyło śledztwo w sprawie Michała Kołodziejczaka. "Otrzymaliśmy odmowę" – Dziennik.pl).

Allegations from former staff

The case followed a report by Kanał Zero in early October. Former female collaborators accused Kołodziejczak of aggressive and abusive behaviour and of pressing them to take a substance he presented as cocaine. The politician rejects the accusations and calls them slander.

Prosecutors' request refused

Prosecutors asked Kanał Zero for the home-address details of the people who spoke about the alleged misconduct, and for the original recordings broadcast in the programme. The outlet refused both requests, citing journalistic privilege and the unwillingness of the people who testified.

Possible penalties

The offence under investigation carries a prison sentence of three months to five years, according to the prosecutor's office. Kołodziejczak has not been charged, and the allegations remain unproven.