Poland: Opposition party to rally in Warsaw May 12

Event

The Civic Platform (PO) opposition party, as well as other activist groups, are planning to hold a rally in Warsaw on Saturday, May 12. Supporters will gather at the Rondo de Gaulle starting at 13:00 (local time). Thousands of people are expected to participate in the demonstration. Localized traffic disruptions and heightened security measures are anticipated in the area.

Context

PO leaders are rallying in support of shared European values and against the policies of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party. In February, the lower house passed a controversial bill criminalizing the expression of allegations that Poland was complicit in the Holocaust during World War II. The opposition claims the law could be used to silence Holocaust survivors or historians.

Advice

Individuals in Warsaw are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and avoid talking about sensitive political subjects in public (including on social media).