Polish police chief says officers acted lawfully during operations at Constitutional Tribunal

Polish Police Chief Marek Boroń has said police operations at the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw on Friday and Saturday complied with all legal standards, stressing that officers’ role was to ensure public safety rather than assess the Tribunal’s functioning. 

Warsaw, PolandPAP/Przemysław Piątkowski

In a letter to police officers, Boroń said the actions taken outside the Tribunal complied fully with applicable laws. He stressed that the police were carrying out duties defined by the Police Act. 

Boroń said their presence was necessary to ensure the safety of people inside the Tribunal and the thousands gathered outside. He warned that unpredictable events, strong and often extreme emotions among the crowd, as well as threats from outside, could create risks. 

He said the police should never be a party to any dispute but should guarantee public safety. 

The letter was issued partly in response to a statement by the head of the Police Solidarity trade union, who called on the police chief to speak publicly and clarify the force’s position following Friday’s events. 

Officers from different regional commands have also expressed legal doubts about police actions on the Tribunal’s premises, including possible interference with the activities of a constitutional state body and potential breaches of the law. 

(sp) 

Source: PAP 

Radio Poland