MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Earlier this month, the European Commission submitted to Poland's government a critical document with a set of suggestions on Constitutional Tribunal reform in the country. The commission said it was concerned with the actions of the authorities which had paralyzed the work of the tribunal.
"Recent far-reaching changes to Poland’s legal and institutional framework threaten human rights and undermine the rule of law, on which the protection of human rights ultimately depends. Lawmakers and the Government should urgently change course," Muiznieks said, as quoted by the Council of Europe.
The official stressed his concern over Constitutional Tribunal paralysis, saying it "bears heavy consequences for the human rights protection of all Polish citizens and prevents human rights proofing of legislation."
The regulation on the Constitutional Tribunal sparked much criticism from the opposition. The reform led to mass demonstrations by protesters defending democracy and prompted the European Commission to open a multi-step procedure in January, checking whether Poland respects the rule of law.
