Poland: Rival protesters gather in Warsaw August 16

Event

On Sunday, August 16, hundreds of nationalists and LGBTQ+ supporters gathered on opposite sides of a street in Krakowskie Przedmieście in Warsaw to demonstrate over LGBTQ+ rights. Police officers and vehicles separated the two protests and blocked off the area to other vehicular traffic. According to media sources, the far-right All-Poland Youth movement organised the nationalists' gathering. Far-right activists burnt a rainbow flag whilst LGBTQ+ activists painted another on the street. There were no reports of injuries.

Further associated demonstrations and counter-protests are possible in Warsaw in the near term. Localized disruptions and a heightened security presence are likely in the vicinity of any demonstration.

Context

Recently, some members of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party officials have criticized LGBTQ+ pride marches in an apparent effort to energize the party's base with criticism of values associated with Western liberalism ahead of parliamentary elections expected to be held in October. Similar pro- and anti-LGBT demonstrations are to be expected in Poland ahead of the expected October elections.

Advice

Those in Warsaw are advised to monitor the situation for developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.