Judge finds former minister Nowak guilty in watch case

Slawomir Nowak at a hearing in the Warsaw District Court, 23.04.2014 Photo: PAP/Archive/Jacek Turczyk

Slawomir Nowak was accused by prosecutors for filing five false asset declarations between 2011-2013, both as an MP and minister. Members of Parliament are forced by law to declare assets of more than 10,000 zloty.

However, Nowak’s gold Ulysses Nardin wristwatch has an estimated value of 21,000 zloty.

The former transport minister’s line of defence during the months-long trial was that he wasn't aware that the watch was worth so much.

“When assessing the explanations of the accused in his closing speech, the prosecutor said that ‘the accused took a line of defence which consisted of pretending to be less smart than he is in reality.’ It is hard to disagree with that claim,” the judge said when delivering her verdict.

After the court hearing, Nowak said “I respect the court’s verdict, but I do not agree with it,” adding that he is to appeal the decision “and defend my good name to the end”.

“I feel that under these conditions fulfilling my duties as an MP is impossible, and that is why – in line with my earlier declarations – I have filed my resignation as an MP with the Sejm parliamentary speaker [Radoslaw Sikorski],” Nowak continued.

Slawomir Nowak also quit the ruling Civic Platform party following Thursday’s verdict. (rg/jb)

Source: PAP