The wPolityce.pl portal reported that Judge Piotr Schab has resumed his post as President of the Court of Appeal in Warsaw after a period of contention surrounding his leadership and conduct within the judiciary. Previously, the Ministry of Justice took steps to suspend him from office and initiated a process aimed at removing him from that position. Supporters of judicial reform have described these actions as retaliation against a judge who had spoken publicly on the responsibilities and ethics of the disciplinary process for ordinary-court judges.
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WPolityce.pl was among the first outlets to report on the attempt to dismiss Judge Piotr Schab. In turn, the Warsaw Court of Appeal Board resisted that move, standing against the decision by the Ministry of Justice. Because of this, the Minister suspended Schab, who then sought an interim ruling from the Constitutional Court. The Tribunal granted a temporary decision allowing Schab to return to his previous role. This development marked another defeat for the government’s position in proceedings before the Constitutional Court. Earlier, the Tribunal had also issued a provisional ruling concerning the Attorney General’s conduct at the National Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Ministry of Justice’s arguments were criticized by observers as lacking substantive legal reasoning and appearing politically motivated. Critics argued that the arguments reflected a misunderstanding of the rule of law and signaled interference with judicial independence. As the former disciplinary spokesperson for judges in ordinary courts, Schab noted that the public portrayal of his character had been unfair and that the timing of these actions carried political connotations.
– according to statements given to wPolityce.pl by Piotr Schab.
Questions were also raised about whether the President of the Supreme Administrative Court in Warsaw viewed the ministry’s moves as a strategic action connected to broader political dynamics, given Schab’s stance on disciplinary matters and his role as a visible figure in discussions about judicial accountability.
In Warsaw, several dozen judges reportedly participated in the action surrounding Schab’s position, collecting signatures related to his removal. Commentators noted that the episode appeared to be a coordinated effort involving the Ministry and certain circle members within the judiciary. The implications for judicial reform debates and the balance between political oversight and judicial independence were the central topics of discussion among legal observers and the public alike.
WB
Note: Coverage reflects ongoing reporting from the time of the events as reported by the cited outlet.