Poland: Activists to demonstrate in central Warsaw Aug. 1

Event

Multiple commemorative events marking the 1944 Warsaw uprising are planned in Warsaw Aug. 1. Nationalist activist groups plan to gather at Dmowskiego Roundabout from 17:00 before marching to Krasinski Square; anti-fascist groups will likely stage counterdemonstrations. Official commemorative events are taking place at various locations throughout central Warsaw. Further gatherings commemorating the uprising or denouncing far-right groups are likely throughout Warsaw Aug. 1. Attendance across the demonstrations could reach into the thousands.

Additional police will deploy to facilitate official events and monitor all gatherings. Increased security measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt transport and business disruptions throughout Warsaw; public transport services in affected areas could be canceled or diverted. Police will likely erect barriers to keep rival groups apart; however, isolated clashes are possible should opposing activists come into contact with each other. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence they would face an indirect threat of harm.

Context

The 1944 Warsaw uprising was the single largest military operation taken by a resistance movement during WW2. Over the 63-day uprising, between 150,000-200,000 Polish civilians died, largely due to mass executions by German occupying forces.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a general precaution. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in Warsaw through the evening of Aug. 1.