Riot police deployed to Poland’s constitutional court after judge suspended
President Karol Nawrocki seen struggling to gain entry to court building in Warsaw amid long-running row over the court’s legitimacy
TL;DR
- Riot police clashed with protesters outside Poland's constitutional court following the suspension of its top two judges.
- The suspension was initiated by government-appointed judges amid disagreements over the court's legitimacy.
- The opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party condemned the move as an 'assault' on the court.
- President Karol Nawrocki returned to Warsaw to intervene and was seen struggling to enter the court building.
- The long-running dispute over the court's legal status dates back to 2015, with clashes between successive governments and the EU over the rule of law.
- The current government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, aims to reverse controversial reforms and mend relations with Brussels.
- Experts are divided on the legality of the judges' suspension.
- The situation is expected to further polarize the country ahead of the next parliamentary election.