Contradictory statements from police chief over Starachowice affair

The Kielce prosecutor has not yet decided whether to make public the testimony of police commander general Antoni Kowalczyk, concerning the Starachowice case, where confidential information was alleged leaked to Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) officials supposedly involved in a corruption scandal. A couple of days ago, Kowalczyk changed his testimony, and according to media rumors, announced that it was Zbigniew Sobotka, the Deputy Interior Minister, who was to be blamed for the incident. Kowalczyk made an announcement following the affair, that his two testimonies are not contradictory and that his declarations do not put the blame on Sobotka. Justice Minister Grzegorz Kurczuk is waiting to formally hear from the Kielce prosecutor, after which he will decide whether to made public both testimonies. This move is strongly demanded by opposition parties. Law and Justice (PiS) is further calling for the suspension of Kowalczyk from his duties until the issue is solved. Prime Minister Leszek Miller announced that he expects the Justice Minister to act in accordance with the law and to stick to stated procedures. (www.polskieradio.pl) A.K.