The European Parliament expressed its deep concern for what it described as a democratic setback and called on Poland government to withdraw or suspend the law until it is amended, which, according to Warsaw, seeks to crack down on Russian influence but, according to critics, it could protect the persecution of opposition politicians.

The EP also requested the sending of an electoral observation mission for coming elections if controversial legislation remains in force.

After adopting the resolution (votes: 472-136-16), the MEPs meeting in Strasbourg (France) considered that the reform contravenes international democratic standards.

In June, the European Commission opened a sanctioning dossier against Warsaw since the regulation included no mechanisms allowing those punished to have recourse to justice if they were considered accomplices to interference.

Critical voices in Poland see this new law as an instrument to overrule key opposition representatives, including former Prime Minister and leader of the first Civic Platform party, Donald Tusk.

pll/ybc/mem/ehl