"Muzzle law sets dangerous precedent". Freedom House statement on Polish judiciary

Lawmakers in the lower house of parliament voted 234-211 to disregard the rejection by the Senate of a law which would allow judges who criticise the government's reforms to be disciplined

U.S. freedom and democracy watchdog Freedom House has issued a statement in response to the Polish parliament’s adoption of a new law that restricts judicial independence.

"The ruling Law and Justice party is waging an all-out war against the judges of its own country and against the rule of law. The adoption of the so-called muzzle law will have far-reaching consequences for Poland, but also for the European legal system," said Zselyke Csaky, research director for Europe and Eurasia at Freedom House.

"A country in which the ruling party decides what the law means and which court decisions are valid breaks with the most fundamental tenets of democracy. It also sets a dangerous precedent for anti-liberal politicians inside and outside Europe" - she added.

Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world. It acts as a catalyst for greater political rights and civil liberties through a combination of analysis, advocacy, and action.

READ THE STATEMENT AT FREEDOM HOUSE OFFICIAL WEBSITE >>>>>