In early February, President Karol Nawrocki requested case files related to four convicted individuals from the General Prosecutor as part of the presidential pardon process in Poland. This action is grounded in Polish law, specifically Article 567 § 2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows the President to initiate pardons independently. This procedure significantly differs from the ordinary judicial procedure where the convicted individual must apply through the court system, requiring a positive opinion from a judge to proceed with the pardon request.

The article discusses the differences between the presidential and ordinary procedures for pardons in Poland. The presidential process allows for a more executive and less judicially constrained approach, which could have implications for the justice system and public perception. The piece highlights the distinct role of the President in alleviating sentencing, positioning it as a separating line between judicial review and presidential discretion.

Additionally, the article mentions that the decision to pardon certain individuals has been a contentious political issue, referencing past controversies that have affected political fortunes, such as the case of a convicted pedophile that nearly jeopardized former President Andrzej Duda's reelection chances. The current discussions may reflect broader sentiments regarding justice, executive power, and political accountability in Poland.