The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration is attempting to shift responsibility for the events surrounding the farmers’ protest in Warsaw. In a press briefing, he defended the actions of police under his command, stating that the violence came from hooligans who attacked officers. At the same event, Marcin Kierwiński directed strong criticism at PiS, saying, “You could call it a wall behind the Polish uniform, and now it is a paving stone in the Polish uniform. This marks the end of PiS politicians who are directly opposing Polish officers today.”
During the briefing, the minister asserted that Warsaw saw two demonstrations on Wednesday that ended peacefully. He indicated that once their gatherings were dissolved, observers could see what occurred in front of the Sejm. He emphasized that two categories of protesters should be distinguished: peaceful farmers exercising their rights as citizens, and others whose actions disrupted the scene.
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Clashes at a protest through Kierwiński’s lens
He also described a portion of the crowd as hooligans and provocateurs who assaulted police forces, noting clear evidence of that behavior. Footage showed individuals using poles adorned with white and red flags to pry paving stones from the ground, hurling them toward officers, creating dangerous situations.
— he stated.
READ MORE: Boundless insolence! Tusk comments on clashes at the farmers’ protest: ‘The police acted with extreme restraint’
The minister asserted that these violent actors attacked the police, who were carrying out their duty to maintain safety and order.
In his words, the police are now under assault by those who months ago shouted “a wall behind the Polish uniform.” He suggested that what occurred could be described as a shift from a “wall behind the Polish uniform” to a “paving stone in the Polish uniform.” He viewed this as a consequence for PiS politicians who oppose the officers who safeguarded public security.
— he declared.
According to preliminary assessments from the police headquarters, the operation was conducted in a factual and professional manner.
— added.
READ MORE: OUR INTERVIEW. Did the police act with restraint? Wrona on Tusk’s statements: Such claims are not true. Discussions about conduct and commands
“The means of direct coercion were adequate”
Czesław Mroczek, the deputy head of the ministry who accompanied Kierwiński, noted that the police prioritized the safety of both demonstrators and bystanders. He argued that the farmers’ grievances faded into the background due to the behavior of individuals who violated public gathering rules and engaged in assaults against officers.
He added that those detained would provide explanations in due course.
In the coming hours, a clearer picture is expected to emerge about the conduct. The statements from those involved will illuminate who initiated aggressive actions.
— he commented.
Police actions were grounded in legal authority and executed within the law. The direct coercive measures used were appropriate.
READ MORE: Not just gas and batons. The police summarized the actions against farmers: dozens of arrests, fines, and lawsuits
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Source: wPolityce