Riot police deployed as Poland constitutional crisis deepens

Riot police were deployed around the building of Poland's Constitutional Tribunal on Friday (30/10) as supporters of the right-wing opposition Law and Justice (PiS) demonstrated against the suspension of tribunal chief Bogdan Swieczkowski. Several demonstrators shouted "Tusk traitor," and three people were arrested after trying to enter the court building. The crisis deepens the clash between Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government and the PiS camp over control of the judiciary. Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska said suspending Swieczkowski was necessary to restore the rule of law, but the tribunal rejected the move and insisted Swieczkowski remains in office. Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek also called for the immunity of Swieczkowski and his deputy, Bartlomiej Sochanski, to be lifted.