Riot police confront protesters outside Poland's constitutional court after judge suspension

The Guardian reported that riot police were locked in a tense standoff with demonstrators outside Poland’s constitutional court on Friday night. The confrontation followed a controversial move by a group of government‑appointed judges to suspend the court’s president, Bogdan Święczkowski, and his deputy, Bartłomiej Sochański. The suspension has intensified a decade‑long dispute over the court’s legal status. President Karol Nawrocki was seen struggling to gain entry to the court building in Warsaw amid the ongoing row over the bench’s legitimacy. The clashes mark the latest escalation in the conflict between the government and the judiciary over the court’s authority.

Why it matters

The incident highlights growing tension in Poland’s judicial system and the political struggle over the constitutional court’s legitimacy.

Key details

Location

Poland · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

31 Oct 2026, 09:57 IST

Key names

President Karol Nawrocki, Warsaw, Riot, Bogdan Święczkowski

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianRiot police deployed to Poland’s constitutional court after judge suspended 31 Oct, 09:57

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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