Poland’s senators approve controversial bill to reform Supreme Court

Poland’s Senate approved on Wednesday a controversial bill to reform the Supreme Court. Critics say the move puts the judicial system under government control and is a threat to the country’s democracy. The changes were backed by 60 senators with 30 against and one abstention. They will make it easier to replace Supreme Court Chief Justice Malgorzata Gersdorf, who refused to step down earlier this month, AFP said. During debates in the Senate in Warsaw, hundreds of demonstrators outside cried “Shame!” and “Senator, do not sign!” The proposals need to be signed by President Andrzej Duda, an ally of the ruling rightwing Law and Justice party (PiS).