During the European Parliament session in Strasbourg, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group organized a debate on the double standards of the European Commission and Donald Tusk’s government regarding the rule of law. The event brought together prominent figures from the Polish judiciary and experts in the field of human rights protection.
Participants in the debate included: Małgorzata Paprocka, head of the Office of the President of Poland; Michał Ostrowski, Deputy Prosecutor General; Andrzej Golec, president of the Ad vocem Prosecutors’ Association; Piotr Schab, President of the Court of Appeals in Warsaw; and two former officials of the Ministry of Justice, who were victims of serious human rights violations.
During the debate, high-profile cases were discussed that symbolize violations of the rule of law under Donald Tusk’s government.
Among other things, the discussion focused on the unlawful dismissal of Dariusz Barski, who was removed from office even though the Supreme Court had confirmed the legality of his appointment. This case became a clear example of the then-government’s disregard for court rulings.
In addition, the illegal dismissals of judges were discussed. Widespread interference in the independence of the judiciary during Tusk’s administration revealed systemic violations of democratic principles. The unfounded dismissals of judges and attempts to subordinate the judiciary to the executive branch drew criticism both at home and abroad. “Judges (...) are being forced to pay homage to the executive branch,” described one of the invited judges. “There has been a brutal re-education of the Supreme Court in Poland. (...) This is creating anarchy in the country,” he added.
Another issue raised was the testimony of female employees of the Ministry of Justice who were victims of serious human rights violations during their unjustified arrest and detention. According to the Ombudsman’s report, they were under the supervision of male guards while bathing and using the restroom, woken up at night, kept in handcuffs, and, furthermore, their contact with defense attorneys regarding their detention was restricted, and they were denied access to legal counsel. For two months of their detention, they were consistently denied access to clean clothes, hygiene products, and contact with their children.
“In my opinion, the isolation imposed on me and the methods used were intended to drive me to a mental breakdown,” said one of the victims. “Suddenly, the current authorities decided to use me as a tool in a political vendetta against my former superiors, destroying my life and the lives of my loved ones,” added another of the victims. The Ombudsman confirmed the irregularities raised by them in a statement.
The aim of the debate was to draw attention to the hypocrisy of the European Commission, which, despite its declarations about protecting the rule of law, applies double standards to member states. The organizers emphasized the need to reiterate that the protection of human rights and the principle of state sovereignty are fundamental values that must not be violated, regardless of the political context.
A similar meeting was organized by the group Patriots for Europe.
