Polish community blocks far-right activist’s anti-migrant rally
Residents of Bogatynia, a town in southwestern Poland near the borders with the Czech Republic and Germany, successfully prevented far-right activist Robert Bąkiewicz from holding a planned rally, denouncing what they described as an attempt to intimidate the local community with paramilitary-style tactics.
Residents of Bogatynia, a town near Poland’s Czech and German borders, blocked far-right activist Robert Bąkiewicz from entering a local rally, protesting his presence and links to natianalists militias. Photo courtesy of Senator Janusz Gromek
Bąkiewicz, recently pardoned by President Andrzej Duda after being convicted of pushing an elderly feminist activist – known as “Grandma Kasia” – down church steps, is a prominent figure in Poland’s nationalist movement and enjoys backing from the populist Law and Justice (PiS) party.
In response to his so-called “Border Defense Movement,” locals organised a satirical counter-group called the “Movement for Defense Against Bąkiewicz,” which effectively barred him from the event.
Locals shout ‘go home’ at far-right provocateur Bąkiewicz
According to Polish broadcaster TVN24 and local radio station Radio Wrocław, residents chanted “Go home!” and physically blocked Bąkiewicz from entering the community centre. When he attempted to move the rally to a nearby street, demonstrators again drowned him out with protests, accusing him of spreading hatred and provoking unrest under the pretext of defending Poland’s borders.
Leaked recordings published by Goniec.pl reveal Bąkiewicz instructing his followers to feign patriotic concern in order to boost their online presence. Authorities are reportedly considering legal action after Bąkiewicz allegedly insulted police officers during the confrontation, referring to them as “dogs” while seeking their protection.
Government officials from the ruling coalition condemned his behaviour. Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk stated the state “will not tolerate attacks on the military or police,” while MP Monika Rosa promised accountability for any unlawful acts committed by Bąkiewicz’s group.
Prosecutors prepare charges following border incident
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Gorzów Wielkopolski is reportedly preparing charges against Bąkiewicz for insulting uniformed officers during a recent incident near the German border.
According to TVN24, Bąkiewicz’s group claimed to be “defending Poland” from illegal migration, but failed to locate any migrants and instead disrupted border guards’ work and verbally abused them.
Officials believe the stunt was intended to inflame anti-immigrant sentiment. Another PiS-affiliated figure, Dariusz Matecki – recently released from prison – has also faced criticism for spreading online disinformation, including falsely labelling Polish citizens as illegal migrants. Police have intervened in at least one such case.
PiS accused of hypocrisy over anti-migrant campaign
Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka recently highlighted what he described as blatant political hypocrisy by the Law and Justice party. The politician shared photos showing PiS politicians opening Foreigners’ Integration Centres, only to later protest against these same institutions.
Critics argue this contradictory approach forms part of a wider strategy by the right-wing populist party to stoke division and resentment ahead of a large anti-immigration protest planned for October 11 in Warsaw, announced by PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński.
(mp)
Source: Radio Wrocław/TVN24/Goniec.pl
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