Thousands Rally to support Country's Judges

They demanded the reinstatement of 1 Judge who was suspended for questioning the appointment of another Judge by Poland's president.

The governing Law & Justice Party has implemented widespread changes to the nation's judiciary.

The changes had been already criticised by the European Commission.

The Govt, however claims the changes are needed to tackle corruption & overhaul its judicial system, which is says is still haunted by the communist era.

It also said that politicians take part in the selection of Judges not just in Poland but in other EU countries.

According to organisers, protests were held in more than 100 locations & attendees included Attorneys & Judges.

The largest protest was outside the Justice Ministry in Warsaw.

Many were pictured carrying EU flags & held signs that read "Solidarity with Judges".

Judge Pawel Juszczyszyn was suspended from his post last week. He questioned the nomination of a Judge because he had been appointed by the newly politicised National Council of the Judiciary, the authority that nominates judges in Poland.

Mr Juszczyszyn appeared at the protest in Warsaw & told the crowd: "I call on my fellow judges: don't let yourselves be intimidated, do be independent & brave."

Judges' groups say the Law & Justice Party is unfairly disciplining Judges that oppose changes to the judiciary.

The European Union has accused the Govt. of threatening to undermine principals including the rule of law & judicial independence.

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