The Polish Sejm may soon override President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of amendments to the criminal code, concerning arrest limitations and evidence admissibility.
Amendments Focus on Arrests and Evidence
Sejm Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty explained the bill limits temporary arrest, guarantees the right to counsel from initial detention, and addresses the use of illegally obtained evidence – known as “fruit of the poisoned tree.”
If approved by the Sejm Presidium and the Senior Convention, Czarzasty stated he would push for a vote, potentially as early as Friday, March 27th.
Presidential Veto and Concerns Over Procedure
President Nawrocki vetoed the amendments on March 13th, with his spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz citing potential obstacles to criminal proceedings.
Prosecutorial bodies also raised concerns about procedural chaos and the need for clear, precise criminal law, arguing the amendments lacked these qualities.
Sejm Ends Correspondence with Presidential Office on Judges
Czarzasty announced the Sejm will cease further correspondence with the Presidential Office regarding the appointment of Constitutional Tribunal judges.
The Sejm received two letters from the President concerning the appointment process, with the second responding to a letter from the Sejm Chancellor, Marek Siwiec, regarding alleged procedural errors.
Czarzasty asserted the Sejm believes the President intends to delay the process and exhibits bad faith, and considers the matter closed based on Siwiec’s initial response.
Procedure Followed, Presidential Cooperation Questioned
Czarzasty affirmed the entire procedure was conducted in accordance with the law and Sejm regulations, and expects the President to administer the oath of office to the judges.
When asked about the outcome if President Nawrocki doesn’t act, Czarzasty responded, “Anything can be expected.”
“Revolutionary Project”
Deputy Justice Minister Arkadiusz Myrcha previously described the proposed changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure as a “revolutionary project” long awaited by legal professionals, NGOs, and citizens who have experienced abuses of criminal procedure.
