Poland Justice Minister suspends judges amid judicial conflict

Poland is experiencing significant judicial and political tension as Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek initiates several actions against members of the judiciary. Żurek has ordered the immediate suspension of three judges from the Warsaw Court of Appeal—Piotr Schab, Przemysław Radzik, and Michał Lasota—citing allegations of impersonating state organs and fabricating proceedings. Additionally, the National Prosecutor's Office has requested the removal of their immunities.

The conflict extends to the Constitutional Tribunal, where Żurek has warned that anyone obstructing judges from performing their duties will face prosecution. This follows protests and confrontations at the Tribunal's headquarters regarding the swearing-in of new judges. Former Constitutional Tribunal President Jerzy Stępień suggested that the current deadlock could be resolved by requesting the immunity of Bogdan Święczkowski.

Further friction has emerged between the Ministry and Judge Konrad Mielcarek. After Mielcarek issued a bail order for PiS politician Marcin Romanowski, Żurek publicly criticized him as a “neo-judge” from the previous administration. In response, the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) has formed a special team to investigate Mielcarek’s complaint regarding what he describes as a personal attack by the Minister.

Finally, the Supreme Court is facing questions regarding the legal status of judges appointed after 2017. Żurek has criticized the Supreme Court's leadership, arguing that judges whose appointments are contested by international courts cannot grant themselves immunity from accountability.