The Latest: New protests planned in Poland over court law

Opposition supporters shout slogans and hold candles as they protest in front of the Senate building where a debate continues before a crucial vote to approve legislation that would give politicians substantial influence over the country's Supreme Court, in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, July 21, 2017. The bill on the Supreme Court has drawn condemnation from the European Union and has led to street protests across Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Opposition supporters shout slogans and hold candles as they protest in front of the Senate building where a debate continues before a crucial vote to approve legislation that would give politicians substantial influence over the country's Supreme Court, in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, July 21, 2017. The bill on the Supreme Court has drawn condemnation from the European Union and has led to street protests across Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

By Associated Press July 22, 2017 2 min read

WARSAW, Poland (AP) – The Latest on Poland’s move to give politicians influence over Supreme Court (all times local):

12:55 p.m.

A pro-democracy movement in Poland says that former president and democracy icon Lech Walesa will join a protest they are holding against new legislation that gives politicians significant control of the nation’s top court.

Despite mass peaceful protests, the legislation on the Supreme Court was approved by the Senate on Saturday and only requires the approval of President Andrzej Duda to become law. Opponents say it would destroy judicial independence and violate the rule of law.

A new round of street protests is planned by government opponents across Poland later in the day to urge Duda not to sign it.