Poland deploys riot police at constitutional court in judicial stand-off

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 23:09 · Archive

Riot police have been deployed at Poland's Constitutional Court in Warsaw amid an escalating stand-off between Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-EU government and judges appointed by the previous right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek announced that he had requested stripping Constitutional Court President Bogdan Święczkowski and Vice-President Bartłomiej Sochański of their immunity from prosecution so that criminal charges can be brought against them. The Constitutional Court responded with a social media post stating that 'all persons participating in these actions are committing the crime of a coup d'état'.

Tusk has defended the government's actions as part of efforts to depoliticise the judiciary. He said on social media that 'after years of PiS-led lawlessness, this is a difficult, sometimes painful process that requires decisive action. There is no other way.' PiS supporters gathered outside the court to protest the police deployment. President Karol Nawrocki, an ally of the previous PiS government, cut short an international visit to Senegal and was returning to Poland amid the standoff. The constitutional crisis marks a major escalation in the row between Tusk's government and the judges appointed during the previous administration.

How it is being reported

• Riot police deployed to Poland's top court amid claims of 'coup' over suspension of chief judge in battle between Donald Tusk's centrist government and nationalist rightDozens of officers guarded the entrance to the Constitutional Court in Warsaw on Friday as protesters gathered outside, with some chanting 'Tusk traitor'.Daily Mail · 30 Oct, 23:29
• Poland: Protesters clash with police over sacked court chiefPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk defended the firing of top court President Bogdan Swieczkowski as a move to "restore the rule of law."DW News · 30 Oct, 23:22
• Poland's top court claims ‘coup d’etat’ as riot police deployed and protests branded ‘very serious’ by Nigel FaragePoland’s top court has accused Prime Minister Donald Tusk of launching a coup as riot police were deployed to and entered the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw amid clashes with protesters. The constitutional crisis was triggered by the removal of Tribunal President Bogdan Swieczkowski while President Karol Nawrocki, an ally of Poland’s previous Eurosceptic Law and Justice (PiS) party government, was flying to Senegal. President Nawrocki has cut short his international visit and is currently racing back to Poland amid the standoff between the pro-EU Government of Mr Tusk and those connected…GB News · 30 Oct, 22:53
• Poland 'coup' latest: Riot police deployed in Warsaw as Donald Tusk issues statementCops have swarmed Poland's Constitutional Court amid an escalating stand-off between the government and the court's top judgesThe Mirror · 30 Oct, 22:02

In this story: Donald Tusk · Bogdan Święczkowski · Bartłomiej Sochański · Law and Justice · Poland · Warsaw · Karol Nawrocki

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log