Legislative changes threaten to undermine the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession in Poland, two international lawyers' associations have warned.


A joint high-level delegation from the International Bar Association's (IBA) Human Rights Institute and the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) investigated the impact of proposed changes to the law following concerns raised by the National Council of Legal Advisors and the Polish Bar Association.



Amendments include granting an increase in the Minister of Justice's supervisory powers over the self-governing professional bodies and allowing the minister discretion to move judges without their consent. The professional bodies fear the various amendments have the potential to be misused to the detriment of the rule of law.



Despite requests, the delegation was unable to meet the Minister of Justice.



For the IBA, Martin Solc said: 'We are concerned that the legislation may breach not only the Polish constitution but also regional and international standards.'



Catherine Baksi