Poland’s interior minister Marcin Kierwiński announced the confiscation of fireworks and threatened fines for violations at this year’s Independence March in Warsaw, while publicly calling out MP Paweł Mentzen for defying the ban.
Detentions During Independence Day Celebrations
The Central Police reported that Warsaw’s annual National Independence Day celebrations proceeded safely, with the largest police mobilisation centered on the Independence March. Inspector Robert Szumiata, spokesperson for the Capital Police Command, said the Masovian Voivode’s ban on pyrotechnic materials was essential and appreciated, noting that 91 officers seized more than 820 items—including firecrackers, party shells, and loud firecrackers.
Police also investigated an incident at the American Consulate where a firecracker fell onto steps after being thrown across the fence; there were no injuries or property damage. The case is pending a formal report from the embassy.
Kierwiński’s Announcement and Critique of MP Mentzen
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński told TVN24 that over 400 firecrackers were seized from march participants, along with roughly 120 loud fireworks, several molotov cocktails, and knives.
He clarified that those who carried prohibited materials were detained, while individuals who ignited firecrackers in defiance of the ban would face fines.
Kierwiński singled out MP Paweł Mentzen—who had been seen lighting a firecracker ostentatiously—as a case of unlawful patriotism, stating that patriotism requires observing the law.
Other Police Interventions
Additional inspections led to 40 arrests during the march, including drug possession and two individuals wanted on criminal warrants for prison facilities.
Two separate incidents involved people displaying graffiti on transparent surfaces; they were escorted, documented, and paperwork sent to the prosecutor’s office for assessment of criminality.
A single drone violation occurred when an unmanned aircraft entered a prohibited airspace; the operator was taken into custody, the drone seized, and further action is pending.
