By Karim Hammam
Riot police clashed with protesters outside Poland's constitutional court in Warsaw on Friday night after the court's president, Bogdan Święczkowski, and his deputy, Bartłomiej Sochański, were suspended by a group of government-appointed judges.
Escalating Constitutional Crisis
The move marks the latest escalation in a decade-long dispute over the court's legitimacy. The tribunal has frequently ruled in favor of Polish legislation over EU law, leading the European Union to accuse it of being too close to nationalist political power.
President's Confrontation
President Karol Nawrocki, a close ally of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, cut short a state visit to Senegal to return to Warsaw. He attempted to enter the court building, tussling with security and other judges, and remained inside the premises as of early Saturday. Nawrocki declared the government appointees "were not judges of the constitutional court" and called the suspension a violation of Poland's constitutional order.
Protests and Arrests
Hundreds of protesters, including opposition MPs, gathered outside the building in support of the suspended judges. Three people were reportedly arrested for trying to force entry through the heavy police presence.
Competing Judicial Claims
Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, one of five judges not recognized by Nawrocki, assumed the top position citing her seniority on the bench. The rival claims deepen the legal uncertainty surrounding the court's leadership.
Legal Opinions Divided
Legal experts are split on the suspension's legality. Prominent law scholar Marcin Matczak said the legal basis was "non-existent," while Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek requested that Święczkowski and Sochański be stripped of immunity to face prosecution for obstructing the court's work.
Government Response
Prime Minister Donald Tusk insisted that restoring the rule of law is a duty, acknowledging the process is difficult and sometimes painful. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated the tribunal was politicized under the previous government and that the current steps aim to allow duly elected judges to make the tribunal function again.
International Concern
Opposition leaders and the court's social media account described the move as a judicial "coup d'état." Several European far-right figures, including Nigel Farage, Liz Truss, and Geert Wilders, condemned the action. U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose warned that the confrontation could spiral into something far worse.
