Pro-choice demonstrators gather outside of public broadcaster office in Warsaw November 18

Event

Several thousand protesters opposed to recent anti-abortion legislation have gathered outside of the office of the national broadcaster, Telewizja Polska (TVP), located on Powstańców Warszawy Square in Warsaw during the evening of Wednesday, November 18. Demonstrators had initially planned to gather at the Sejm, the nation's parliament, from 18:00 (local time); however, access to the area was blocked by police. Participants moved towards Na Rozdrożu Square; however, they prevented from advancing by law enforcement. Protesters then marched from the de Gaulle roundabout towards Krakowskie Przedmieście and gathered outside of the TVP's headquarters after they were prevented from marching down Świętokrzyska Street.

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 Warsaw 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.