Poland 'coup' latest: Riot police deployed in Warsaw as Tusk issues warning
Riot police have been deployed at a court in Warsaw amid claims of a "coup d'etat".
TL;DR
- Riot police were deployed at the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw.
- The action is part of an escalating row between Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government and the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party.
- Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek requested criminal charges against the court's President Bogdan Święczkowski and Vice-President Bartłomiej Sochański.
- The Constitutional Court claims the actions constitute a "coup d'etat" and that the targeted judges are legally appointed.
- Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska prohibited entry to the Tribunal premises.
- Poland's Ambassador to China, Jakub Kumoch, resigned due to the events.
- President Karol Nawrocki cut short a trip to Senegal to return to Poland.
- US ambassador Tom Rose described the events as "very serious" and expressed concern for Poland's stability.
- Bogdan Święczkowski attempted to enter the Tribunal but was reportedly stopped by police.
- Three people were arrested for allegedly jumping a fence and entering the Tribunal grounds.
- Warsaw Police stated their actions were to ensure public safety and order, not to interfere with the Tribunal's activities.