Dariusz Łubowski, a judge with a 30-year career in international criminal law, has recently lost his position at the Warsaw District Court as revealed by a document shared by Dagmara Pawełczyk-Woicka, the chair of the National Judiciary Council. His removal comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over judicial independence in Poland, especially concerning judges who have made decisions that counter the government's interests.

Łubowski has been known for his role in high-profile extradition cases, notably refusing to extradite Belarusian opposition figure Sciapan Puskiła back to Belarus. This refusal was based on concerns over political motivations behind the charges against Puskiła, who faced accusations of organizing a conspiracy to seize power and inciting hatred. With Łubowski's removal, it raises questions about the future of judicial independence in Poland amid ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the government.

The implications of this case reflect a broader trend in Poland, where judges who stand up to the executive branch face significant backlash. The dismissal of Łubowski not only signals the consequences for those judges who uphold international legal standards but also intensifies the debate on the erosion of democratic norms in Poland as the government continues to exert pressure on the judiciary.