Poland: Anti-government protests reported nationwide November 1 /update 7

Event

Anti-government protests continued nationwide for an eleventh straight day on Sunday, November 1, 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. Marches on Sunday, some of which were held in silence, were organized in Szczecin, Wroclaw, Krakow, and Lodz. The demonstrations seemingly passed off peacefully. 

In related protests on Friday, October 30, approximately 100,000 pro-choice protesters gathered in Warsaw. 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.