EP cttee to intervene on Polish courts, LGBT rights, hate speech

The EP Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on Thursday said it will intervene over alleged violations of LGBT rights and hate campaigns against government-opposed judges in Poland. The Committee's decision follows several controversial incidents in Poland in recent weeks, most notably hooliganism during a Gay Pride parade in the north-eastern city of Bialystok, and an online hate campaign against judges opposed to the Polish government's court reforms, found to have been sponsored by a since-dismissed Deputy Justice Minister. The move was made by MEPs of the Renew Europe group. The MEPs are also demanding the EC and the EU Council report on progress made in rule of law proceedings against Poland launched in 2016 under the EU Treaty's Article 7.