Protest at Poland's highest court in rule-of law crisis

Hundreds of right-wing demonstrators rallied in Warsaw Friday to defend the previous government's overhaul of Poland's highest court -- condemned by the current ruling coalition and European courts.

The protest was the latest event in a years-long rule-of-law crisis gripping Warsaw's Constitutional Tribunal (TK), which started when the then-ruling Law and Justice (PiS) launched a controversial overhaul of the country's judicial system.

The protesters, waving Polish flags and singing patriotic songs have been camped outside the court since Thursday in an action organised by right-wing opposition groups.

An AFP journalist at the scene estimated their numbers to be more than a thousand.

Among those backing the protest was conservative association "Kluby Gazety Polskiej", named after the readers of a right-wing magazine.

"Representatives of the ruling coalition, affiliated commentators, and some legal experts have publicly discussed the possibility of taking decisive action against the Constitutional Tribunal," it wrote on its website.

The current pro-European government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, does not recognise the court's rulings, arguing it has been loyal to the right-wing opposition party Law and Justice (PiS).

In 2015, PiS appointed openly political judges to the Tribunal's bench. Parliament ignored appointments made under the previous administration, illegally naming three judges in their stead.

The European Court of Human Rights condemned the move in 2021, rendering the bench "unlawful"

After retaking power following the 2023 elections, Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-European government said it would resolve the crisis.

However, conservative-nationalist president Karol Nawrocki has not confirmed its nominations to the court.

As a result, "criminal proceedings are underway," Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek told private broadcaster Radio ZET.

"I think we can expect some moves from the prosecutor's office in the coming weeks," added, saying the police could enter the Tribunal if its head refused to comply with the investigation.