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“We Defend the Polish Border” Group Under Police Scrutiny; Searches Across Poland

“We Defend the Polish Border” Group Under Police Scrutiny; Searches Across Poland

From Rzeczpospolita · () Polish

Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Polish police conducted searches across the country related to the group "Bronimy Polskiej Granicy" (We Defend the Polish Border).
  • The searches are part of an investigation into suspected criminal activity, with evidence including IT equipment being seized.
  • The group has been criticized for impersonating public officials and causing public alarm, with the Prime Minister calling their actions "political hooliganism."

Polish police have carried out searches nationwide targeting individuals associated with the group "Bronimy Polskiej Granicy" (We Defend the Polish Border). These actions are part of an ongoing investigation into suspected criminal offenses, as confirmed by the Warsaw police.

During the operations, law enforcement officials secured evidence, including electronic equipment, which will undergo detailed forensic analysis. The police emphasized their commitment to maintaining public safety and order, noting that these activities are conducted with consideration for the current security alert levels in Poland and the need to protect critical infrastructure.

In the course of the actions, officers secured evidentiary material, including teleinformatic equipment. The secured devices will be subjected to detailed analysis by an expert in forensic informatics.

— Komenda Stołeczna Policji (Warsaw Police Headquarters)The police confirmed the seizure of evidence during the searches related to the 'Bronimy Polskiej Granicy' group.

The group has drawn significant criticism and scrutiny following incidents where members, dressed in uniforms resembling those of law enforcement, allegedly impersonated officials. Videos circulating online appear to show individuals associated with "BPG" engaging in activities that resemble identity checks on the Central Railway Station in Warsaw. This behavior has led to concerns about disinformation and the undermining of public trust in official services.

These actions are carried out with consideration for the current security alert levels in the Republic of Poland and the need to ensure security in places of particular importance for the functioning of the state and citizens, including in the vicinity of critical infrastructure facilities, such as railway stations.

— Komenda Stołeczna Policji (Warsaw Police Headquarters)The police explained the context and scope of their security operations.

Regional prosecutors in Warsaw have initiated proceedings concerning the alleged impersonation of public officials and the unwarranted questioning of individuals. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and online materials related to the incidents. The Ministry of Interior and Administration has stated that the police have been actively gathering documentation and evidence for the prosecutor's office.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has publicly addressed the group's actions, characterizing them as "excesses" and "political hooliganism" rather than a widespread phenomenon. He suggested that the group's activities do not represent a serious threat but rather a form of disruptive political posturing.

This is more political hooliganism than anything serious.

— Donald TuskPrime Minister Donald Tusk commented on the nature of the 'Bronimy Polskiej Granicy' group's activities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.