Members of the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) were denied entry to the Constitutional Tribunal headquarters on Wednesday while attempting to meet with newly appointed Tribunal judges.
Denied Access to Constitutional Headquarters
Judges from the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) attempted to enter the Constitutional Tribunal (TK) to meet with judges selected by the Sejm in March. The Tribunal’s spokesperson denied their entry, citing a lack of prior scheduling, and suggested arranging a future visit. Consequently, the discussion took place outside the building.
The KRS representatives sought to assess the current situation within the Tribunal and express support for four newly appointed judges who have not yet been permitted to adjudicate: Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, Krystian Markiewicz, Maciej Taborowski, and Marcin Dziurda.
Concerns Over the Rule of Law
Judge Dariusz Zawistowski stated that the visit was motivated by a need to obtain firsthand information regarding the Tribunal’s functionality, noting that prior knowledge had been limited to media reports. Judge Monika Frąckowiak emphasized that as a public building, the Tribunal should remain accessible to members of the KRS.
Frąckowiak argued that the election of the new judicial members of the KRS marks a breakthrough in restoring the rule of law in Poland. She added that this restoration is contingent upon the full functioning of the Constitutional Tribunal, which requires allowing the four March-appointed judges to preside over cases.
Disputes Over Institutional Authority
Tribunal spokesperson Weronika Ścibor informed the group that no meetings were permitted, stating that the institution was currently in deliberations. Despite the refusal, the four March-appointed judges eventually exited the building to speak with the KRS members on the sidewalk.
Krystian Markiewicz reported that Tribunal President Święczkowski refused to allow the judges to receive guests, claiming the Tribunal as his “private” institution. Meanwhile, Judge Magdalena Bentkowska stated she was informed that guests could only be hosted in a conference room currently under renovation, while Judge Dariusz Szostek reiterated that all Tribunal judges remain equal under the principle of primus inter pares.