Extradition row over Polish justice reforms

AN IRISH High Court judge has referred a Polish extradition case to Europe’s top court over concerns that judicial reforms have been “so immense” that the rule of law in Poland has been systematically damaged.

The referral was made after Artur Celmer, arrested last May on a European Arrest Warrant, objected to his surrender on drug trafficking charges, saying the reforms in his native Poland undermined the possibility of him having a fair trial.

Marcin Warchol, Poland’s deputy justice minister, heavily criticised the move, saying Ireland was “delaying the punishment of a dangerous criminal” and insisting its justice system and judges remained independent.

Poland’s ruling Law and Justice (PIS) party has pushed to assume more control of the courts since taking power in 2015. In response, the European Union’s executive started an unprecedented action last December, calling on other member states to prepare to sanction Warsaw if it did not change tack.

On Monday, Judge Aileen Donnelly said it was necessary to request a ruling from the European Court of Justice before making a final decision in the case.