#Poland - 'Not In Our Name' protest against #PiS attacks on Polish constitution and judicial independence

The 'Not In Our Name' picket was organized by the coalition of Polish non-governmental organizations during the speech of the Polish government’s prime minister in the European Parliament. Participants of the picket wanted to draw attention to the false statements of the Polish authorities propagated on the forum of the European Union. They were holding banners with the inscription: 'Mr Morawiecki, your lies don’t work here'.

Poles are among the most Europe-enthusiastic societies in the EU. EU membership is supported by 84% of Poland’s citizens. However, the Polish government is proceeding with introducing such changes to the judiciary which openly breach EU Treaties, violate the Polish Constitution and destroy court independence. The authorities have introduced laws which allow over half of all judges of the Supreme Court to be removed and exchanged and which allow for removal of the President of the Supreme Court before her term of office expires. This new law enters into force on 3 July, 2018. Since taking office in November 2015, Law and Justice has passed legislation that has already given it control of the Constitutional Court, which can veto legislation, and the National Council of the Judiciary - the body that nominates judges in Poland. Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro has used another law to change almost 20% ordinary court presidents or their deputies.

The protesters drew attention to the fact that over the past three years, tens of thousands of Poles have been protesting against the violation of their Constitution. Every day, for the past three weeks, thousands of Polish citizens have taken to the streets in defence of the Supreme Court. Such protests have been held so far in 250 cities and towns in Poland. All the living former Presidents of Poland have become involved in defending the independence of courts, with Lech Walesa in the forefront, the former Foreign Affairs Ministers and activists of the democratic opposition of the 80-ties and 70’ties.

The picket was organized by the 'Europe, Don’t Let Go' coalition, including 150 civil movements and NGOs, among them: European Front, Bronisław Geremek Foundation, Stefan Batory Foundation, Committee for the Defence of Democracy, Citizens of Poland Movement, Citizens in Solidarity in Action, Polish Nationwide Women 's Strike, and Free Courts.

More information: www.notinourname.eu , www.europonieodpuszczaj.pl

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