Poland’s Chief Justice accuses government of coup d’etat against judiciary

The head of the Polish judiciary has published an open letter accusing the government of launching a “coup d’etat” against judges.

Malgorzata Gersdorf, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, made her comments after the ruling conservative government passed reforms critics said would threaten the rule of law in the country.

The EU had already given Poland three months to address concerns after it launched disciplinary measures against the country over its judicial reforms.

The judge states: “The coup d’etat against the structure of one of the most important state institutions is taking place - not with armed force or paramilitary troops but by misusing legal institutions.

“I warn the government: do not break the social contract written in the form of the constitution. You are walking carelessly along the abyss into which the whole nation may finally fall down.”

Last May, the Judicial Council for Scotland expressed concern over the events in Poland.

It stated: “As a non-political body representing independent judges in Scotland, the Judicial Council for Scotland expresses its solidarity with the Polish judiciary and emphasises the vital importance of its continued independence.

“Without such independence, which guarantees the fair and impartial administration of justice, the trust among judiciaries which is necessary for mutual recognition and cooperation cannot continue to exist.”