Poland: Protesters clash with police in Warsaw over abortion ruling October 22 /update 1

Event

Clashes were reported between protesters and police in Warsaw on Thursday evening, October 22, following a protest which denounced a recent court ruling that will limit abortion services in the country. Protesters reportedly gathered at the Constitutional Tribunal before marching to the Law and Justice (PiS) party headquarters where the clashes ensued, with police reportedly deploying pepper spray to disperse the protesters. Associated demonstrations were also reported in Krakow, Lodz, and Szczecin on Thursday. The organizers of the event have called for another protest to be held in Warsaw on Friday, October 23, although the timings and exact location are yet to be confirmed.

Further associated rallies and counter-protests regarding the court ruling should be anticipated in major cities in the medium term.

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.