Poland investigates another case of abuse targeting Ukrainians – video
A man allegedly threatened and verbally abused two Ukrainian nationals in Kraków, with Polish police now investigating the incident.
Source: European Pravda, citing Wirtualna Polska
Details: According to Kraków police, the incident took place on 5 August near Polonijna Street, close to a popular shopping centre.
A video posted online appears to show a man wearing a blue T-shirt confronting two people of Ukrainian origin. After noticing he was being filmed, he began shouting and ran after one of the Ukrainians while hurling abuse. The footage also appears to show him striking a woman.
Anna Wołak-Gromała of the Kraków City Police confirmed that the victims had filed a formal complaint. "The investigation is ongoing," she said.
"The woman was attacked by a man unknown to her. He supposedly threatened her, insulted her and either pushed or struck her, as seen in the video footage. She did not suffer any injuries," the police spokeswoman added.
Investigators stressed that the legal classification of the incident has not yet been determined. Only after reviewing all the evidence and circumstances will authorities decide whether the case will be treated as an assault, incitement to hatred, or another offence.
The incident follows several recent attacks involving Ukrainians in Poland.
Background:
- Earlier this week in Gdańsk, a man assaulted a Ukrainian passer-by and two Polish citizens, calling them "Banderites".
- In Wrocław, a group of Polish men recently attacked a young Ukrainian couple after supposedly hearing their accent. The suspects were remanded in custody for three months.
- In response to these incidents, Poland's Interior Ministry stressed that such acts would be met with an appropriate law enforcement response, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on President Karol Nawrocki to "break his silence".
- According to Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, there have been numerous attacks on Ukrainians in Poland since 2022, but Ukrainian residents have learned how to protect themselves.
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