Kaczyński draws fire over CBA's access to ZUS files

Yesterday Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński dismissed press reports that an executive order he issued last year gives Central Anti-Corruption Office (CBA) officials unlimited access to the personal files of 25 million Poles held by the Social Insurance Office (ZUS). The revelation sparked critical reactions from legal experts and human rights activists, who argued the powers were unconstitutional and that Poles' right to privacy could be under threat. Opposition politicians also expressed alarm at the news, however, Kaczyński denied there was anything unusual, instead accusing journalists of "strengthening the position of criminals". "We should draw a clear line between human rights and protecting criminals," he said, adding: "We want to weaken, not strengthen, the position of criminals. That's why we have the CBA and that's why we give it such powers." The CBA maintains its agreement with the ZUS is standard practice for similar institutions in many countries. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 1, 4; Rzeczpospolita, p. A5) R.M.