The FBE is committed to the rule of law, access to justice and the defence of human rights. The FBE is gravely concerned about the independence of judges in Poland and is aware of the Report and statement made by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of judges and lawyers: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Judiciary/Pages/IDPIndex.aspx
The Special Rapporteur’s report highlights the critical situation in Poland when on the 3rd July 2018 40% of the Supreme Court judges will be forced to retire before the end of their term, which is a violation of the Polish constitution, and marks a worrying politicisation of the judiciary. Instead of completing 6 years in office, any judge reaching 65 years of age is to be retired on Tuesday 3rd July.
Mr Michele Lucherini, President of the FBE, stated: “These changes undermine the rule of law and the principle of independence of judges. If the judiciary are politicised then justice is endangered and the judicial system may appear less fair, and result in the population disbelieving that they have access to justice.”