Protesters rallied across cities in Poland on the night of July 24, as the Polish Senate voted to approve constitutional changes that would allow the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) to force the retirement of the country’s most senior judge.
Despite government pressure, Chief Justice Malgorzata Gersdorf has refused to give up her position until her term expires in 2020.
The bill is now with Polish President Andrzej Duda for a final reading, he is expected to sign the constitutional amendment into law.
The European Union, human rights groups and opposition parties have all condemned the bill, saying it violates judicial independence, reported Reuters.
This video taken in the western Polish city of Wrocław shows protesters in front of the town hall holding a large banner reading: “EU please help us to defend Polish constitution #FreeCourts.” Credit: OurNumberOneRF via Storyful
