POLAND: COUNTRYWIDE PROTESTS EXPECTED AHEAD OF VOTE TO RESTRICT JUDGES

It is outrageous to ban judges from questioning the legitimacy of judicial bodies which are so clearly government-controlled. Particularly when the EU court called their legality into question just last month and encouraged Polish judges to further investigate and even disregard them if their independence cannot be confirmed

• 130 protests expected across Poland
• Spokesperson available at Warsaw protest

A nationwide protest is planned in Poland this evening against a proposed law expected to be tabled tomorrow which will impose severe restrictions on judges’ rights to freedom of expression and association and further undermine the independence and integrity of Poland’s judiciary. Ahead of the protests, Eve Geddie, Director of the Amnesty International European Institutions Office, said:

“With this law, the Polish authorities are attempting to remove what little remains of judicial independence in Poland by bringing the remaining free elements of the Polish courts under the political control of the Minister of Justice.

“It is outrageous to ban judges from questioning the legitimacy of judicial bodies which are so clearly government-controlled. Particularly when the EU court called their legality into question just last month and encouraged Polish judges to further investigate and even disregard them if their independence cannot be confirmed. An independent judiciary is essential for the protection of human rights. This proposed law must be rejected.”