Far right protesters stab apartment of Polish activ …

“Don’t put it out. Damn it, this should burn”. In houses with rainbow flags and the logo of the “women’s strike” on their balconies, the participants of the “independence march” in Warsaw simply throw Bengalos. #Poland https://t.co/Dq3bHrCGNn

— Thomas Dudek (@thomas_dudek) November 11, 2020

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Riots

The demonstration was also not without violence. According to the Associated Press, there were riots and clashes with police until late at night, who responded with tear gas, some arrests and rubber bullets. Many demonstrators came by car or on motorbikes to keep their distance. Several thousand marched on foot. Every year, the Polish Independence Day leads to international news as far-right movements take to the streets in large groups. Nazi symbols also appear every year.

Every year, the conservative ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party promotes the march. Although it is largely non-violent, the mood there has become increasingly grim in recent years. According to the progressive opposition, the government is thus a valve for the far right in Polish society. “Fighting with the police, damage and arson … This is how the far right, under the wing of our leaders, is experiencing Independence Day,” said Liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.

The incidents come at a time of great division in the country. Young Poles have been arguing for weeks against a new law that also bans abortions in the event of fetal malformation. And the LGBTQ community is attacked every week by the government-minded state broadcasters.

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