Poland: Protests over anti-abortion law expected over weekend November 7-8 /update 9

Event

Pro-choice protests are expected to be held in multiple cities nationwide over the weekend of Saturday-Sunday, November 7-8. On Friday, November 6, police faced off with hundreds of protesters in Warsaw, using vans and officers to prevent demonstrators from congregating and warning that mass-gatherings are in breach of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. Similar protests are expected in Warsaw over the weekend, with Szczecin and Zakopane also being among cities with previously-planned rallies. 

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.