Russia banned 39 Polish motorcyclists from entering for five years after accusing them of ‘Nazi provocation’ during a memorial ceremony in Mednoje.
Russia bans entry for 39 Polish motorcyclists
Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has barred 39 Polish motorcyclists from entering Russia for five years after they participated in a memorial event at the Mednoye cemetery on August 27th. The ban follows the motorcyclists’ participation in the Ponary-Katyn Rally.
Mednoje ceremony described as ‘Nazi provocation’ by Russian media
Russian media outlets reported that the motorcyclists, who were part of the Ponary-Katyn Rally, organized a march with torches and swastikas at the cemetery in Mednoje. They allegedly chanted anti-Russian slogans and left graffiti in Polish at the cemetery site, which has been labeled a ‘Nazi provocation’ by Russian state media.
Rajd Ponary-Katyń organizers respond
The organizing group, Association Kołaczę Polskę, posted on Facebook about the event: “Yesterday, the II Ponary-Katyn Ride reached Mednoje, a place marked by the most tragic chapter in our history. This is where thousands of Polish officers were brutally murdered by the NKVD. The cemetery calls for memory, prayer, and presence…”
