The commission’s reform proposals for Poland’s political system stirred a strong reaction among observers, particularly from the National Council of the Judiciary. During the protest organized by the Association “Lawyers for Poland,” the chair stressed that the reforms triggered a powerful emotional response. She asserted firmly that loyalty pledges to the Justice Minister would not be signed, framing the stand as a defense of judicial independence and constitutional dignity.
Outside the council’s headquarters, the speaker underscored a central concern: judges must be allowed to exercise self-scrutiny. Citing Article 30 of the Constitution, she emphasized that the source of civil rights lies in the inalienable dignity of every person, a dignity she feared could be compromised by proposed changes targeting judges appointed after 2018. The message resonated as a defense of constitutional safeguards that ensure due process and judicial independence.
The demonstration targeted the framework proposed for the status of judges and included banners referencing particular judges who had faced scrutiny. A member of the National Council of the Judiciary described the push for self-criticism as reminiscent of a repressive era in history, signaling alarm over potential parallels with political campaigns that had narrowed the space for dissent.
Participants continued their call for the protection of the rule of law, reiterating that they would not agree to any commitment that could undermine judicial impartiality. The organizers confirmed the stance through the association’s public profile, noting that loyalty to the state should never override constitutional guarantees or the principle that all citizens are equal before the law.
The participation extended to a broader audience of citizens who gathered to defend Poland’s republic and its institutions at the council’s headquarters. The call was for recognition of the legal profession and the judiciary as a unified pillar of the state, with statements stressing that justice operates through equal treatment under the law and that no individual should be punished for acts that were not crimes at the time they were committed. The emphasis remained on human dignity as the cornerstone of constitutional rights.
In the aftermath of the event, the chair of the National Council for the Judiciary reiterated the central message focusing on independence, equal protection under the law, and the critical importance of preserving constitutional norms against attempts to undermine judicial authority.
“Lawyers for Poland”
The Association “Lawyers for Poland” highlighted its overarching mission to safeguard and promote constitutional values, especially the rule of law, social justice, and the balance among state authorities. The organization underscored the importance of democracy, subsidiarity, and the protection of the Republic of Poland as a common good, framing its work as a defense of fundamental legal principles for all citizens.
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– A statement on the potential impact of Bodnar’s proposals and the possible implications for the judiciary’s future. The discussion centered on concerns about independence, due process, and constitutional protections.
– A protest by legal circles against planned reforms, with commentary noting the magnitude of the challenge to historical norms and the safeguards that protect civil liberties during political transitions.
olnk/PAP/X
Citizens and legal professionals alike are urged to consider the long-term implications of any reform that could affect the separation of powers and the dignity inherent in every person, as the discourse around Poland’s constitutional framework continues to unfold.
Source: wPolityce