Thousands march in Poland for ‘protectors of the border’ amid migrant crisis

Thousands of people marched in Warsaw for an annual Independence Day march that right-wing organizers said was for “protectors of the border” as Poland faces a migrant crisis at its border with Belarus. 

The event, which has a history of violent incidents, was banned by a court, but that decision was challenged by Poland’s nationalist administration, Reuters reported. 

As thousands of migrants attempt to enter the European Union (EU) through Poland’s eastern border with Belarus, some accuse Poland’s Law and Justice government of offering support to the far-right and perpetuating anti-migrant narratives.

People at the march carried Polish and nationalist flags and chanted sayings like “Viva, viva border guard” and “God, Honor, Homeland,” according to Reuters.

A government spokesperson did not comment on whether the majority party endorsed the march, redirecting inquiries to the veterans’ agency that formally approved the event, the news service added.

Earlier this week, Russia blamed the EU for the alleged migrant crisis at Poland’s border.

During a joint news conference with the Belarusian foreign minister, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he hoped Europeans would “not allow themselves to be drawn into a spiral that is fairly dangerous.”

Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei added at the conference that both Belarus and Russia have offered support to one another due to “unfriendly activity against our countries.”