Poland: Largest pro-choice protest takes place in Warsaw October 30 /update 6

Event

Approximately 100,000 pro-choice protesters gathered in Warsaw on Friday, October 30, to demonstrate against a decision by Poland's constitutional tribunal which deemed abortions due to fetal defects unconstitutional, paving the way for the government to introduce tighter abortion laws. The protest was the largest gathering since Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party took power in 2015 and comes following a "women's strike" on Wednesday, October 28, when over 400,000 people gathered in protest in over 400 towns and cities throughout Poland.

Further protests are likely throughout Poland over the near term. A heightened police presence is expected around protest sites, with disruptions to transportation and business likely.  

Advice

Those in Poland are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.