In Warsaw courts, a very large group of judges is to be removed from adjudicating in criminal trials. Those whom the politicians of the ruling coalition do not trust. This means that judgments, but also, for example, complaints against temporary arrests, will be delivered only by appropriately selected judges.
“Manual control. This has nothing to do with the independence of the judiciary," emphasizes MP Marcin Warchoł, former deputy minister of justice.
Judge Dagmara Pawełczyk-Woicka, chairwoman of the National Council of the Judiciary, points out that decisions of a similar nature and identical effects are made not only in the criminal departments of Warsaw courts. The situation is similar in other regions: repeated selections, removal from adjudicating in certain categories of cases, new division of activities, pressure to sign applications for delegation to a lower court.
PN: Some commentators suggest that this looks like an attempt to eliminate some inconvenient judges and, at the same time, intimidate others. Others worry that the ruling party is preparing for trials of former government officials and upcoming election certification in case their candidate looses.
- Based on reporting by Niezalezna(.)pl
