Poland's parliament adopted a law giving the justice ministry control over the prosecutor's office, further stoking concerns about the state of democracy in the EU member.
The conservative-dominated parliament voted in favour of handing the justice ministry direct control over the prosecutor's office, a move the opposition says would once again "politicise" the institution.
The prosecutor's office has been independent from political leadership since a 2009 reform introduced by the previous liberal government.
The ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party conservatives said the new law would put an end to a "failed experiment" that diminished accountability for the actions of the prosecutor's office.
Since sweeping back to power in October after eight years in opposition, the PiS has taken several controversial steps that critics have denounced as undermining the independence of both the media and the judiciary.
The legislation giving the government control over Poland's top court and public broadcasters has prompted a series of demonstrations and harsh criticisms both at home and across Europe.
The EU recently launched an unprecedented probe to see if the Polish government violates the bloc's democracy rules and merits punitive measures.
Under the law adopted Thursday, the justice minister will serve as attorney general and will notably be able to intervene in any investigation led by any prosecutor.
The law also modifies prosecutorial structure at the regional and national levels, which the opposition says will give the PiS an excuse to verify the political leanings of prosecutors.
Eight lawmakers abstained from Thursday's vote, 236 voted in favour, while 209 voted against.
Poland’s parliament adopted a law giving the justice ministry control over the prosecutor’s office, further stoking concerns about the state of democracy in the EU member.
The conservative-dominated parliament voted in favour of handing the justice ministry direct control over the prosecutor’s office, a move the opposition says would once again “politicise” the institution.
The prosecutor’s office has been independent from political leadership since a 2009 reform introduced by the previous liberal government.
The ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party conservatives said the new law would put an end to a “failed experiment” that diminished accountability for the actions of the prosecutor’s office.
Since sweeping back to power in October after eight years in opposition, the PiS has taken several controversial steps that critics have denounced as undermining the independence of both the media and the judiciary.
The legislation giving the government control over Poland’s top court and public broadcasters has prompted a series of demonstrations and harsh criticisms both at home and across Europe.
The EU recently launched an unprecedented probe to see if the Polish government violates the bloc’s democracy rules and merits punitive measures.
Under the law adopted Thursday, the justice minister will serve as attorney general and will notably be able to intervene in any investigation led by any prosecutor.
The law also modifies prosecutorial structure at the regional and national levels, which the opposition says will give the PiS an excuse to verify the political leanings of prosecutors.
Eight lawmakers abstained from Thursday’s vote, 236 voted in favour, while 209 voted against.
