Polish Protests Roil Parliament as Media Freedom in Question

Poland’s political crisis escalated as protests over curbs on media freedom led to tumultuous scenes inside and outside parliament.

Police forcibly removed demonstrators blocking exit routes from the legislature overnight, while inside the chamber, opposition lawmakers delayed proceedings by refusing to yield the podium. As thousands again took to the streets of Warsaw and other cities to protest, President Andrzej Duda urged both sides to help restore calm and offered to mediate, while ruling party officials seek a meeting with media representatives.