The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights has released its report titled “The Time of Trial”, based on interviews with judges in Poland who explain how changes by the Law and Justice-led government have impacted them in their work.

ARTICLE 19 and HFHR find that freedom, independence and pluralism of the media are under severe threat in Poland. The new legislation and administrative actions related to media companies and personnel restrict freedoms and increase or introduce political or executive branch control over National Media Council, media expression and management of media companies. Only international pressure has momentarily slowed down further government capture of independent media.

Details of the course of events and the stages of the Constitutional Tribunal capture crisis, supported by contemporaneous press releases, opinions, expert analyses, quoted statements of politicians. Report also includes reactions of Polish and supranational bodies and institutions. In conclusion, the crisis is assessed as violating the principles of the separation of powers and the rule of law.