Polish president signs new anti-terror rules into law
PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk
22.06.2016 16:27
President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday signed into law an anti-terror bill which the government says will increase security, but which critics claim will curb civil liberties.
Staatspräsident Andrzej Duda.
Bild: Prezydent.pl
The law comes into force as Poland prepares to host a NATO summit and the Roman Catholic Church’s World Youth Days in July.
The new law allows the interior minister to ban mass gatherings and events if a third- or fourth-level terror alert is declared.
Threat levels are designed to give the public an indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack. The highest level possible in Poland will be four under the new rules.
The government says the measures will increase the efficiency of Polish anti-terrorist operations and improve coordination between security services.
But the law has been criticized by opposition politicians and human rights organizations, who called on Duda not to sign it, claiming the new rules will limit citizens’ rights.
A NATO summit is to take place 8-9 July at the National Stadium in the Polish capital, bringing together some 2,500 delegates, including heads of state and government, EU and United Nations leaders.
The Roman Catholic Church’s World Youth Days takes place in Poland from 25 July to 31 July, with millions of pilgrims expected to flock to this country. Pope Francis is to attend the event. (pk)
Source: PAP