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Protesters marched between the Supreme Court and Parliament as they passed the Presidential Palace (pictured) to protest judicial reform in Warsaw on January 11, 2020. REUTERS / Kacper Pempel

In Warsaw, several thousand people, including hundreds of Polish magistrates, judges, lawyers and prosecutors, paraded on Saturday 11 January for the "1000 dresses march", joined by judges from other European countries. They are protesting against a bill currently under discussion in parliament which would give political power the possibility of dismissing judges critical of recent justice reforms in Poland.

With our correspondent in Warsaw, Thomas Giraudeau

Under the applause of passers-by, the long procession of magistrates heads towards Parliament, where currently, according to them, the deputies of the majority want to silence them.

" Judges have the right to criticize, " said Alexsandra Kiersnowska, a judge in the west of the country. It is our right as a citizen to tell when things are not right. This bill will limit our freedom of speech. This is why we call this text the "muzzle law". "

► To listen and also read: The Polish Supreme Court opens a breach in justice reforms

Suspension, dismissal. Courts criticizing the government will risk big if the law is passed as it is. Andrzej Piersa, a judge for 28 years, is afraid for the future. " With this bill, we risk leaving the European Union, " he said. Because we will not be treated like all European judges. The government is very committed to getting this bill through. But at the same time, he is also afraid of the opinion of these European partners and of European sanctions. "

Some fear, eventually, a purge as in Turkey , where more than 4,000 magistrates were dismissed two years ago. Among them, Yavuz Aydin. He represents his country in the procession. Fifteen European States are thus present.

“ What happens when the rule of law collapses, he asks? We have seen this scenario in Turkey. And the film does not end well. I know what it's like to be abandoned, alone. But Poland is in the European Union. And Europeans have come here to support the judges. Use this support. "

The opposition-dominated Polish Senate could reject the text. But it is the Diet that will have the last word. And the ruling party has an absolute majority.

► Read also: Poland: demonstration of support for judges, victims of pressure from the authorities