Poland faces political turmoil as top judge suspended and police guard court

Riot police were stationed outside Poland's constitutional court on Friday after the suspension of the tribunal's top judge triggered fresh political conflict between the centrist government and the nationalist opposition.

The escalating standoff prompted Polish President Karol Nawrocki to abruptly cancel a trip to Africa while already airborne, turning back to Warsaw to address the crisis unfolding in the capital.

Tensions flared following the removal of Bogdan Swieczkowski, the president of the constitutional court. In response, dozens of police officers formed a security perimeter at the court building entrance as crowds of demonstrators gathered outside.

The protesters, identified as supporters of the right-wing opposition Law and Justice party, voiced outrage over the decision to sideline Swieczkowski. Demonstators directed their anger at the administration led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, with participants chanting that the prime minister was a traitor.

A post published from the constitutional court's official social media channel labeled the move against the chief justice a "coup d'etat," underscoring the severity of the legal and political clash between Poland's executive branch and judicial leadership.

The confrontation represents the latest confrontation between Tusk's centrist cabinet and conservative figures aligned with Law and Justice, who have repeatedly clashed over control and legitimacy across key state institutions. Authorities maintained an active security presence in the area surrounding the tribunal as the domestic standoff continued.