Polish Governments’ Proposed Amendment Against International Law

The Polish government intends to amend its Code of Criminal Procedure, in an effort to accelerate criminal proceedings. However, the consequences of the proposed amendment raise doubts about its compatibility with international law. The amendment would diminish the independence of the judicial system, abolish the defendants’ right to appeal a conviction, and even, in some extraordinary cases, allow criminal courts to conduct proceedings without the defendant nor the defence counsel.

Therefore, Civil Rights Defenders supports, as a member of the JUSTICIA European Rights Network, a statement to the President of Poland. You can read the full statement here.