Poland: Abortion rights activists to protest in cities nationwide Jan. 28-31

Event

Abortion rights activists plan to protest in cities throughout Poland Jan. 28-31 to condemn the Constitutional Tribunal's Oct. 22, 2020 ruling that terminating a pregnancy due to fetal abnormalities is unconstitutional. Authorities confirmed that this ruling would be enforceable from Jan. 27. Activists plan to hold a "blockade" protest in Warsaw Jan. 28 likely involving roadblock actions throughout the city center; participants will gather at Plac na Rozdrozu from 1900. Organizers have also called for a national protest in Warsaw Jan. 29, though times and locations have not yet been confirmed. Attendance is likely to be in the thousands at both actions. Further protests are likely through at least Jan. 31.

Related protests will take place in cities nationwide Jan. 28-31. Participation will vary by attendance but will be in the thousands at larger actions. The following protests have been confirmed Jan. 28:

• Gdansk: Targ Drzewny at 1900

• Katowice: Market Square at 1900

• Lublin: Krolewska at 1830

• Poznan: Plac Wolnosci at 1900

• Rzeszow: Hetmanska at 1800

Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional police to monitor all protests. The protests themselves and related security measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized transport disruptions, increased traffic congestion, and diversions of public transport in the area. Current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures in Poland place restrictions on public gatherings; police may attempt to disperse activists if they are deemed to be breaching these restrictions. Isolated clashes are possible between protesters and police, who may resort to tear gas and other riot control measures. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted, they would face a significant indirect threat of physical harm.

Context

The Constitutional Tribunal of Poland ruled Oct. 22 that terminating a pregnancy due to fetal abnormalities is unconstitutional and the government confirmed this ruling would become enforceable Jan. 27. Abortion rights activists staged immediate protests in major Polish cities immediately following both of these events in addition to regular protests over the issue since October 2020. Activists have clashed with security forces at previous actions. Protests over this issue are likely to continue over the coming weeks.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routines security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security forces and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time for travel in protest affected areas.