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The Latest: Poland’s senators OK contentious court overhaul

Opposition supporters hold a huge Polish national flag during a protest in front of the Supreme Court against a law on court control, in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, July 21, 2017. Poland’s Senate was poised Friday to back legislation that would give politicians substantial influence over the country’s Supreme Court, a move that critics say would defy the principles of the European Union. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Opposition supporters hold a huge Polish national flag during a protest in front of the Supreme Court against a law on court control, in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, July 21, 2017. Poland’s Senate was poised Friday to back legislation that would give politicians substantial influence over the country’s Supreme Court, a move that critics say would defy the principles of the European Union. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

By Associated Press July 21, 2017 1 min read

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

2:05 a.m.

Poland’s Senate has approved a contentious law that gives politicians substantial influence over the Supreme Court, in defiance of European Union criticism.

The bill proposed by the populist ruling party only needs the signature of President Andrzej Duda to become binding. Duda has so far followed the ruling party line.

Critics say it kills judicial independence and threatens the rule of law. The governing party says it’s needed to improve the court’s efficiency and break with communist-era judges and practices.

Saturday’s Senate vote was 55-23 with 2 abstentions.