Poland: Bill allowing judges to be punished signed into law

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Updated 1:43 pm CST, Tuesday, February 4, 2020

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Polish President Andrzej Duda on Tuesday signed into law much-criticized legislation that gives politicians the power to fine and fire judges whose actions and decisions they consider harmful.

The legislation has drawn condemnation from the European Union and international human rights organizations as well as from Poland's opposition and some judges. They say it violates the basic democratic values of judicial independence and the system of checks and balances and puts judges under political control.

The legislation bans judges from questioning judicial appointments made by the president, limits their self-government rights and bans them from political activity. The ruling Law and Justice party has been making reforms to the judiciary since winning power in 2015.

Deputy Justice Minister said the law, which takes effect in a matter of days, means the “triumph of democracy, there will be no ‘judgecracy’ (judges' rule).”




Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Poland-Bill-allowing-judges-to-be-punished-15029301.php

[Kurt V.]

1. Poland has been so important to western world history. I've got to believe they will right

this sooner than later.

[keithbvadu2]

2. The law is about what is legal, not right or fair.

The law is about what is legal, not right or fair.

This situation seems to be a solution on what is currently popular rather than rule of law.

[PatrickforO]

3. Wow...let's remove those checks and balances! Gosh, who needs them?

You know, Poland is only a little bit further along the road to dictatorship than we are with McConnell and Trump.

[jcmaine72]

4. Poland, along with Hungary, are...

the most un-EU like member states in the EU. They're still behaving like they're in the Warsaw pact. Worse, in fact.

The UK leaving the EU was a tragic loss for both. Considering what both Poland and Hungary are becoming, their departure would be a gain for the EU. Consider it addition by subtraction.

[blue-wave]

5. Every time I read or hear about Poland

I am saddened even further. This country, a country that once helped defeat the autocratic, authoritarian communist system is regressing back to the authoritarianism they once helped defeat. What an absolute shame. Stalin, Lenin and Marx must be bursting with laughter from their graves.

[denem]

6. Time to PEXIT them out of the EU.