Anti-government protests renewed in Poland

Saturday's protests, which begin at midday, are being held under the slogan 'In Defence of your Freedom.'

Following demonstrations against controversial reforms of the judiciary, public media and the civil service the latest protests are focused on legislation passed in parliament on surveillance.

“We do not agree to surveillance via the internet and the violation of our privacy,” KOD declared in a statement.

The socially conservative Law and Justice party won a landslide victory in the 25 October general election, enabling it to form a government without a coalition partner, the first time that this has occurred since the end of the communist system 25 years ago.

After its ministers were sworn in in November, the party pushed through reforms at breakneck pace.

The European Commission launched an inquiry into the rule of law in Poland this month, principally inspired by reforms to the country's Constitutional Court and public media.

Regarding the surveillance issue, critics of the last government, which was led by centrist party Civic Platform, argue that it had also attempted to pass surveillance laws before it was voted out in October.

KOD says that it not a party organisation, noting that it has attracted advocates from various quarters. (nh/pk)