Polish police were deployed outside the nation's top court on Friday after demonstrators gathered to protest the suspension of its head judge, Bogdan Swieczkowski. Police confirmed they entered the Constitutional Tribunal's premises following incidents outside the building, which included objects being thrown at officers.

The suspension of Swieczkowski is the latest development in a protracted dispute that has significantly hampered the court's functionality. For the past six months, Swieczkowski, appointed by the previous nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government, has reportedly used his authority to prevent judges elected by the current parliamentary majority from taking up their official duties.

Minister of Justice Waldemar Zurek stated on Friday that he had requested the lifting of immunity for Swieczkowski and his deputy. The request was made due to their alleged failure to fulfill their responsibilities by obstructing the work of newly elected judges. Critics have long accused the former PiS government of politicizing Poland's judiciary.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk, leader of the Civic Coalition party, commented on X (formerly Twitter) following the announcement of Swieczkowski's suspension. He stated that restoring the rule of law is the government's duty and described the process as difficult and at times painful, necessitating decisive action after years of "lawlessness under PiS."

The news of Swieczkowski's suspension drew a crowd of supporters of the former PiS government to the Constitutional Tribunal's gates. Police reported detaining three individuals after some protesters threw "dangerous projectiles." This incident highlights the deep divisions and tensions surrounding the court's politicization.

In a related development, Polish President Andrzej Duda, allied with the PiS party, announced Friday that he was altering his travel plans. He was en route to a sporting event in Senegal but stated that "At a moment like this, the President must be in Poland." Duda has, since his election in mid-2025, refused to officially swear in three of the six judges nominated by the current Polish parliament.

The Constitutional Tribunal has been a focal point of political contention in Poland for years. Both domestic critics and institutions across the European Union have raised concerns about the PiS government's influence over the judiciary, arguing it undermined democratic principles and the rule of law.

This ongoing standoff raises questions about the future composition and independence of Poland's highest court. The government's efforts to assert control over judicial appointments and restore perceived rule of law face significant opposition, indicating a challenging path ahead for judicial reform in the country.