Council of Europe commissioner calls for slowing down law reforms in Poland

Nils Muiznieks, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, on Friday called on Polish authorities to slow down the speed of law reforms and make more extensive social consultations.

During an official visit, Muiznieks said he saw the constitutional tribunal crisis as one of most crucial problems from a human rights point of view.

He said he held "constructive meetings" with Polish Minister of Justice Zbigniew Ziobro, Minister of Foreign Affairs Witold Waszczykowski, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Piotr Glinski.

"My general advice for Poland authorities is to slow down. Consult changes with representatives of civil society, professional organizations and give time to international partners to do their job," he added.

He stated both NGOs and professional organizations signaled during meetings an "insufficient number of consultations."

Muiznieks underlined that the proposed changes to Poland's constitutional tribunal could paralyze its functioning.

This would be a threat to human rights as "individual citizens cannot apply for protection of their rights, and the courts cannot turn to the tribunal with their questions concerning the constitutionality of laws."

Addressing the issue of changes in the structure of public media, Muiznieks said Polish authorities ensured him they would cooperate with the Council of Europe while preparing the so-called "big media law."

The report on Muiznieks visit to Poland is expected to be ready in about three months.

Earlier this week, Poland hosted the Venice Commission, an advisory body of the Council of Europe, connected with the recent changes into the constitutional tribunal law. Endit